Cape Girardeau County FEMA funding is received

Cape Girardeau County has been chosen to receive $28,371 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the area for 2003.

This selection was made by a national board that is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and consists of representatives from the Salvation Army; American Red Cross; Council of Jewish Federations; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; and United Way of America.

The Emergency Food and Shelter Board is charged with distributing funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.

A local board will determine how the funds awarded to Cape Girardeau County will be distributed among area emergency food and shelter programs. The board is chaired by Ron MacCubbin with the American Red Cross and is made up of representatives from the Area Wide United Way, Community Caring Council, St. Vincent's Church, county commissioners' office and the community at large,

Under terms of the grant from the national board, local government or private voluntary organizations chosen to receive funds must be nonprofit, have an accounting system, practice nondiscrimination, have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs and have a voluntary board if it is a private voluntary organization.

Qualifying organizations are urged to apply.

Cape Girardeau County has previously distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds to the American Red Cross, East Missouri Action Agency, FISH, Jackson Food Pantry, Jackson Ministerial Alliance, the Safe House for Women and the Salvation Army. Last year, these agencies were responsible for providing 3,700 meals, 660 nights of lodging, utility assistance to 14 families and rental assistance to 33 families.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter funds should contact the Area Wide United Way at 334-9634. The application deadline is Jan. 24.