County set to get food, shelter funds

HOT SPRINGS — Garland County is in line to receive $78,217 in total funding to provide food and shelter programs through qualifying local organizations.

Half of the funding has been disbursed through the federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency, under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board, according to a United Way of the Ouachitas news release.

An initial $32,245 in funding has helped supplement existing emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

An additional $45,000 in funding under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act will provide additional support to local organizations in Garland County.

Organizations expected to receive funds include Encounter Church; Jackson House; Ouachita Children, Youth, and Family Services; and The Salvation Army.

A local board consisting of representatives from the American Red Cross, the Catholic church, the city of Hot Springs, the county judge’s office, the homeless, the Synagogue, Protestant churches, The Salvation Army and United Way met earlier in the summer to review the Emergency Food and Shelter Program and agency applications.

The representatives made recommendations to determine which local food and shelter programs would be responsible for receiving and or administering these funds, and any additional funds made available under this phase.

Under the terms of the grant from the national board, local agencies chosen to receive funds have to:

■ Be private voluntary nonprofits or units of government.

■ Be eligible to receive federal funds.

■ Have an accounting system.

■ Practice nondiscrimination.

■ Demonstrate the capability to deliver emergency food or shelter programs.

■ Have a voluntary board, if applicable.