Another round of federal funding has been made available to local organizations to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the Twin Counties, and these agencies have until May 7 to apply online for the federal aid.
The United Way Tar River Region announced the continuation of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program in a Monday press release. Of the $3,893,494 that Congress has appropriated for North Carolina to supplement and expand emergency food and shelter programs, Nash and Edgecombe counties have been awarded $69,241.
The Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program selects jurisdictions (cities or counties) for funding, not specific agencies, but the board chose United Way as the Secretariat to carry out the administrative responsibilities of the program, according to the release. The federal department responsible for this program is the U. S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency. These are not state, local, or United Way funds.
According to the release, the United Way Tar River Region is responsible for organizing a Local Emergency Food and Shelter Board to recommend and oversee agencies receiving funds under the program. With Warren Stephenson serving as chair, the local volunteer board is composed of area residents who are representatives of the National Board member agencies, such as American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, The Salvation Army, United Way and the National Council of the Churches of Christ. In addition, local boards must include a homeless, formerly homeless or homeless advocate in their membership, the release notes. The local board also includes individuals from government and service agencies.
Ginny Mohrbutter, who is the executive director of the United Way Tar River Region, said these funds are essential for local voluntary agencies to provide needed emergency food and shelter options for area residents experiencing challenging times.
“Administering the Emergency Food and Shelter Program is extremely important for our community, especially as we focus on ensuring our community members have, at minimum, their basic needs met,” Mohrbutter said. “We encourage qualified agencies to apply for the funding and help us meet the needs of our local neighbors.”
To be considered for funding, an organization must meet the following criteria:
Be nonprofit agency or an agency of government.Not be debarred or suspended from receiving federal funding.Have a checking account and sign up for EFT (cash payments are not allowed).Have an accounting system or fiscal agent approved by the local board.Have a Federal Employer Identification Number.Have a Unique Entity Identifier.Have a valid email address for program communication and electronic signature processes.Be providing services and using resources in the area in which they are seeking funding.Practice nondiscrimination (those agencies with a religious affiliation wishing to participate in the program must not refuse services to an applicant based on religion or require attendance at religious services as a condition of assistance, nor will such groups engage in any religious proselytizing in any program receiving funds).Have a voluntary board if private, not-for-profit.To the extent practicable, involve homeless individuals and families, through employment and volunteer programs in providing emergency food and shelter services.
Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for funds must meet the above criteria and also complete an online application. For more information or to complete an application, visit www.unitedwaytrr.org/phase41.
Applications must be completed by 5 p.m. May 7. For questions, email ginnymohrbutter@unitedwaytrr.org or call (252) 937-2213, ext. 203.
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