Organizations encouraged to seek FEMA funding for local programs

The United Way of Southeast Missouri is encouraging local service organizations that provide food and shelter to apply for federal emergency management agency funding.

Cape Girardeau County received $35,661 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the area for 2008.

A local board consisting of several entities in Southeast Missouri is charged to distribute federal funds appropriated by Congress to expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.

Funds awarded to Cape County are to 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.

Under the terms of the grant local agencies chosen to receive funds must:

• Be a private not-for-profit or unit of government,
• Have a fiscal agent,
• Practice non-discrimination,
• Have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs,
• Have a voluntary board, if they are a private voluntary organization.

Qualifying organizations are urged to apply.

To apply, agencies seeking funding for Emergency Food and Shelter Programs must contact John McGowan at the United Way of Southeast Missouri at 573-334-9634 before May 16.