Deadline to apply Jan. 24

Moultrie County has been chosen to receive $2,800.00 to supplement emergency food and shelter

programs in the county. The selection was made by a 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 USA; 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 is made up of made up of representatives from local government, Salvation Army, United Way, Catholic Charities and a former homeless person will determine how the funds awarded to Moultrie 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. Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Barbara Waymire at 217-728-7721 for an application. Applications must be received by January 24, 2014 at 9 a.m.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Moultrie County EFSP Local Board has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds previously with C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation participating. Last year C.E.F.S. was responsible for distributing $2,800.00; as a result C.E.F.S. provided 59 meals and 17 households received assistance for lodging, with another five households receiving help with their utility bills in Moultrie County.

The re-organizational meeting for this year will be held at the C.E.F.S. Moultrie County Outreach office in Sullivan on January 29 at 9 a.m. For additional information, contact Barbara Waymire at 217-728-7721 prior to the time of the meeting.