Staff Writer
Organizations providing emergency food and shelter programs now have the opportunity to apply for additional funds, thanks to a recent award of $61,703 for use in Aroostook County. “United Way of Aroostook has been notified that Aroostook County has been awarded $61,703 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. This is an increase of $9,123 from last year’s award to Aroostook,” said Claudia Stevens, UWA’s executive director.
According to Stevens, the selection was made by a national board that is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and consists of representatives from the Salvation Army; American Red Cross; Council of Jewish Federations; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA; and United Way of America which will provide the administrative staff and function as fiscal agent.
“The 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,” said Stevens.
With recent cold temperatures and growing economic problems, the added funds will soon be put to use as individuals needing help seek assistance from varies local agencies.
Stevens said the task at hand now will be to determine which agencies get the funds and how much each qualified organization will get.
“A local board made up of United Way of Aroostook and other county organization representatives and leaders will determine how the funds awarded to Aroostook County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by service organizations in the county,” said Stevens, adding, “The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.”
Stevens said certain criteria must be met to qualify for the funds.
“Under the terms of the grant from the national board, local government or private voluntary organizations chosen to receive funds must be: a 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.
The deadline for applying is fast approaching, said Stevens.
“Qualifying organizations are urged to apply by contacting the United Way of Aroostook office for an application for funding by calling 764-5197. The United Way must receive applications no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6,” said Stevens.
Requests submitted after Feb. 6 will not be considered, so quick action is necessary. A meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 12, at 9 a.m. at the UWA office on Main St. in Presque Isle to review funding proposals.
Stevens provided a list of agencies who received funding in 2008.
“During 2008, emergency food and shelter funds were distributed in Aroostook County through: Homeless Services of Aroostook, Battered Women’s Project, Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, Bread of Life Soup Kitchen, M & M Ministries, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities of Maine, Helping Hands, Caribou Ecumenical Food Pantry, Eastern Maine AIDS Network, The Lord’s Pantry and American Red Cross-Aroostook Chapter,” Stevens said.
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.
More information on the program can be obtained by contacting the UWA at 764-5197.
