FEMA GIVES UNITED WAY $18,865 GRANT

Local agencies can provide food and funding to needy families thanks to a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The Area Wide United Way received an $18,865 grant to provide emergency assistance within Cape Girardeau County.

"The allocation is made once a year, then the money is distributed throughout the course of the year," said Edythe Davis, a United Way board member.

A local board with members from the American Red Cross, East Missouri Action Agency, FISH, Jackson Food Pantry, Salvation Army and the Safe House for Women will receive equal portions of the funding to provide utility and rental assistance and to distribute food throughout the county..

Last year these agencies provided more than 2,000 meals, 450 nights of lodging and more than $3,000 in utility assistance using FEMA funds.

"We probably reach about 3,000 families through this assistance every year," said local board member Mary Burton.

Burton said emergency funding is appropriated each year by Congress. The money is then distributed by FEMA, and the amount received by each county is determined by the most current unemployment rate over a 12-month period.

Nancy Jernigan, executive director for the Area Wide United Way, said Cape Girardeau County's funding is larger this year than in recent years. "We've received a little bit more this year than last year," she said. "We haven't received as much as other counties because of our low unemployment, but Cape is lucky to have low unemployment."

Local government and private voluntary organizations may apply to receive funds through this program. To qualify, an agency must be non-profit, have an accounting system and conduct an annual audit, practice nondiscrimination, have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board.

Any organizations wishing to receive funds from this grant should contact the Area Wide United Way office in Cape Girardeau.