County awarded food and shelter program funds

Wahkiakum County has been awarded federal funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program in the amount of $4,953 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs.

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, 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 representatives of United Way, UCC, Wahkiakum Food Bank, 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 and any additional funds 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 non-profits or units of government, be eligible to receive federal funds, have an accounting system, practice nondiscrimination and have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs. Private voluntary organizations must have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Wahkiakum County has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds previously with Wahkiakum County Health and Human Services, Helping Hand, Wahkiakum Food Bank and St. James Family Center participating. These agencies were responsible for providing assistance with utilities/rents/mortgages, food and diapers.

Public or private voluntary organizations interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds may contact Wahkiakum County Health & Human Services. Application deadline is June 18. The local board will meet June 18 at 1 p.m. in Building 2 at Wahkiakum County Health & Human Services to allocate the awarded funds and conduct other business. For further information call Mary Vik, 795-8630 or 1-800-635-5989.