Emergency food, shelter program funds available

Geauga County was awarded $8,705 to help local emergency food and shelter programs.

The federal funds were made available through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program.

According to FEMA, the purpose of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program is to supplement and expand the ongoing work of local

social service organizations, both nonprofit and

governmental, to provide shelter, food and supportive services to individuals and families who have economic emergencies. EFSP funding is open to all organizations helping hungry

and homeless people, as well as organizations that support those at risk of becoming hungry or homeless because of economic hardships.

A local board is charged

to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.

The board, made up of representatives of the local county Emergency Management Agency, United Way, Catholic Charities, Ravenwood Mental Health Center, clergy and faith-based volunteers, will determine how the funds awarded to Geauga County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. The board is also responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under this phase of the program.

Geauga County has previously distributed emergency food and shelter funds to Geauga County Job and Family Services and Women Safe, Inc., said United Way Services of Geauga County Office

Specialist Claudia Toth.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must:

•Be private voluntary nonprofits or units of government

•Be eligible to receive federal funds

•Have an accounting system

•Practice nondiscrimination

•Have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs

•If they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board.

Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

For public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds, contact Claudia Toth by calling 216-436-2028, emailing ctoth@uws.org or sending mail to 209 Center St. Unit H, Chardon, OH 44024 for information. The deadline for application letters is Aug. 31, 2017.