Elk County receives federal funds for emergency food, shelter needs
Elk County has been chosen to receive $16,725 in Phase 40 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.
The selection was made by the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board that is chaired by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from American
Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; The Jewish Federations of North America, The Salvation Army; and, United Way Worldwide. The Local Board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.
A Local Board made up of the Elk County Assistance Office, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Elk County Commissioners, food banks, Northern Tier Community Action Corporation, and United Way, will determine how the funds awarded to Elk County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. The Local Board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under this phase of the program.
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, and if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.
Elk County has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds previously with CAPSEA, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army,
Northern Tier Community Action Corporation, Christian Food Bank, Good Samaritan Food Bank, and Helping Hand Food Pantry of Elk County, Inc. participating. These agencies
were responsible for providing 7,052 food boxes, six rental assistance cases, four utility assistance cases, and 10 nights of lodging during the previous program year.
Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and
Shelter Program funds for either or both Phases must contact Shawn McAulay, Deputy Director, Northern Tier Community Action Corporation, P. O. Box 389, Emporium, Pa. 15834, for an application. The deadline for applications to be received is March 31, 2023.