Bourbon County awarded additional federal funding

Bourbon County has been awarded an additional $3,599 in federal funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program. The money is used to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the area.

The selection was made by a national board that is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and consists of representatives from the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, United Jewish Communities, Catholic Charities, USA, the 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 across the country.

A local board made up of county officials, United Way staff and local representatives will determine how the funds awarded to Bourbon County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service organizations. The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.

Under the terms of the grant from the national board, local governmental or private voluntary organizations chosen to receive funds must: be nonprofit, have an accounting system, practice nondiscrimination, 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. Qualifying organizations are urged to apply.

Bourbon County has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds previously to The Beacon and Mother to Mother Ministries.

Public or private voluntary organizations interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Whendi Martin for an application. For more information, call (620) 223-0980. Application must be completed and submitted by May 24.