Federal funds awarded to food, shelter programs

Wahkiakum County has been awarded federal funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 for the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program. Wahkiakum County has been chosen to receive $4,305 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

The selection was made by a national board chaired by the 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 Salvation Army, United Jewish Communities, and United Way of America. 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 county.

A local board made up of representatives of United Way, UCC, American Red Cross, Helping Hand, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Lower Columbia Community Action Council, Town of Cathlamet, St. James Family Center, The Charlotte House, Wahkiakum Health & Human Services and community members will determine how the funds awarded to Wahkiakum County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies. The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds made available through the ARRA.

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; 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 a private voluntary organization, must have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Public or private voluntary organizations interested in applying for ARRA Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds may contact Wahkiakum County Health & Human Services. The local board will meet July 10, at 2 p.m. in Building 2 at Health & Human Services to allocate funds. For further information, call Mary Vik at 795-8630 or 1-800-635-5989.