Funds available for food, shelter

Wahkiakum County has been awarded federal funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board program.

The county has been chosen to receive $5,910 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

The selection was made by a national board chaired by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, The Salvation Army, United Jewish Communities, and United Way of America. The local 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 United Way, UCC, Wahkiakum Food Bank, Helping Hand, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Lower Columbia Community Action Council, Town of Cathlamet, St. James Family Center, the Charlotte House, Wahkiakum Health and Human Services and community members will determine how the funds awarded to Wahkiakum County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies. The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.

Public or private voluntary organizations interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds may contact Health and Human Services. The application deadline is February 23. Under the terms of the grant from the national board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, with demonstrated capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, have an accounting system and practice non-discrimination. Any private voluntary organizations must have a voluntary board.

The local board will meet on February 23, at 1 p.m. in Building 2 at Wahkiakum County Health and Human Services to allocate the awarded funds and conduct other business. For further information, call Mary Vik at 795-8630 or 1-800-635-5989.