FEMA grants 2004 funding to Cape Girardeau County

Cape Girardeau County has been chosen to receive $26,738 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the area for 2004.

The selection was made by a national board that is chaired by FEMA and consists of representatives from The Salvation Army, American Red Cross, United Jewish Communities, Catholic Charities USA, 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 local emergency service providers, the Area Wide United Way, Community Caring Council, St. Vincent's Church, County Commissioner's office and members of the community will determine how the funds awarded to Cape County will be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service organizations in the area. The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program. Ron MacCubbin with the American Red Cross is the current local board chairman.

Minimum requirements

Under the terms of the grant from the national board, local government or private voluntary organizations chosen to receive funds must: be private, voluntary nonprofits or units of government; have an accounting system; 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. Qualifying organizations are urged to apply for a portion of the funding.

Cape Girardeau County has previously distributed emergency food and shelter funds to East Missouri Action Agency, FISH, Jackson Food Pantry, Jackson Ministerial Alliance, Safe House for Women and the Salvation Army. These agencies were responsible for providing over 3,700 meals, 660 nights of lodging, utility assistance to 14 families and rental assistance to 33 families this past year.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact the Area Wide United Way at 334-9634. The application deadline is Jan. 23.