PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — United Way of Aroostook officials have announced Aroostook County will receive $31,983 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in The County.
“The United Way of Aroostook is very excited to announce that Aroostook County has been awarded $31,983 through the national Emergency Food and Shelter Program,” said Sherry Locke, executive director of the United Way of Aroostook, on May 7.
A national board that is chaired by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency made the selection. The board includes representatives from the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, The Jewish Federations of North America, The Salvation Army and United Way Worldwide.
A local board, made up of United Way officials, Aroostook County Emergency Management and local volunteers, will determine how the funds awarded to Aroostook County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by area service agencies. The board will recommend agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under this phase of the program to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas.
“We are on a tight deadline,” said Locke, “as all applications must be returned to my office by May 31, allowing the board to make a decision on funding on June 6.”
Under the terms of the national grant, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board.
Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Locke at United Way of Aroostook, by phone 207-764-5197 or email Sherry@unitedwayaroostook.org.
All applications must be received by 4 p.m. on May 31.
