VERO BEACH — United Way of Indian River County has been notified that Indian River County will receive federal funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program. The Phase 28 award of $116,410 will be used to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the area. This year’s award is slightly more than last year’s award and is based in part on the high unemployment rate in Indian River County, and our community’s poverty rate.
The selection of Indian River County was made by a National Board chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and consists of representatives from The Salvation Army, American Red Cross, United Jewish Communities, Catholic Charities, U.S.A., National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. and United Way of America which will provide the administrative staff and function as fiscal agent. The 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 from government, religious and human service agencies will be convened to determine how the funds will be awarded among the local emergency food and shelter programs. The Local Board is responsible for recommending local human service agencies to receive these funds.
Under the terms of this grant, groups chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) use funds to supplement and extend existing services and programs, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice non-discrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a volunteer board and 7) comply with all EFSP regulations.
Qualifying organizations interested in the screening process and applying for funds should contact Michael Kint at United Way, 567-8900 or michael.kint@unitedwayirc.org by March 24, 2010.