Cape Girardeau County receives grant for food, shelter programs

Cape Girardeau County was selected by a national board to receive a $32,333 grant for emergency food and shelter programs, according to a news release by the United Way of Southeast Missouri.

The board, led by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, consists of representatives from many religious organizations and the United Way.

According to the news release, the grant requires local agencies that receive funds must be private voluntary not-for-profit organizations or units of government; be eligible to receive federal funds; have accounting systems; practice nondiscrimination; have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs and if they are private voluntary organizations and have voluntary boards. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply, according to the release.

In Cape Girardeau County, funds previously have gone to the Salvation Army, Old St. Vincent’s/St. Mary’s Catholic Social Ministries, Safe House for Women, Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri and East Missouri Action Agency.

United Days of Caring

The United Way of Southeast Missouri will hold its United Days of Caring during the weekend of Sept. 9 to 11.

People and organizations will be encouraged to participate in community-improvement efforts in the communities served by United Way: Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Scott City, Perryville and Marble Hill, United Way executive director Elizabeth Shelton said.

“This is the first time we have ever attempted this over a whole weekend,” she said.

The United Way will hold a campaign kickoff for its annual community drive and United Days of Caring with a breakfast from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Sept. 9 at Capaha Park’s new family pavilion in Cape Girardeau. Most of the community improvement projects will take place Sept. 9 and 10.

Those wishing to participate in community improvement projects are encouraged to register online at unitedwayofsemo.org.

The weekend of giving will conclude with a community party Sept. 11 after an observance honoring first responders and victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at the Common Pleas Courthouse gazebo in Cape Girardeau. The community party will include a display of police and fire vehicles as well as games and a street dance, Shelton said

“Many people in the areas we serve are unaware of the wonderful work United Way does through our partner agencies and programs. United Days of Caring not only gives us an opportunity to demonstrate that, but it also invites anyone and everyone to get involved in giving back,” Shelton said.

Pertinent address:

Capaha Park, Cape Girardeau, Mo.