United Way of Aroostook received word recently that Aroostook County was awarded $50,640 to help supplement emergency shelter and food programs throughout the County, an increase of $6,120 from last year’s award.
Selection was made by a national board chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), consisting of representatives from The Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Council of Jewish Federations, Catholic Charities, National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA and United Way of Aroostook which will provide the administrative staff and function as fiscal agent. The board was given the duty of distributing funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of shelter and food programs in high-need areas around the country.
A board made up of UWA and other County organization representatives and leaders now has the task of determining how the funds awarded to Aroostook will be distributed among the emergency programs run by various service organizations in the County.
“The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program,” said UWA Executive Director Claudia Stevens.
Under the grant terms set by the national board, Stevens indicated local governmental or private voluntary organizations chosen to receive funds must meet certain guidelines.
“They must be non-profit, have an accounting system, practice non-discrimination, 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,” said Stevens.
Stevens said qualifying organizations should apply soon by sending a funding proposal and detailed budget to the UWA Office, 480 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Presque Isle, ME 04769.
“UWA must receive proposals no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12. Requests submitted after that date cannot be considered,” said Stevens.
A meeting to review the funding proposals has been scheduled for Jan. 18 at 9 a.m. at the UWA Office.
“These agencies were responsible for providing meals and nights of lodging as well as fuel, rent and mortgage payments to prevent families from becoming homeless throughout Aroostook County,” said Stevens.
For further information on the program, contact UWA at 764-5197.
