County gets food, shelter grant

Staff Reports



MOULTRIE — Colquitt County has been chosen to receive a $26,050 grant to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

The selection was made by a national board that is chaired by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency. It consists of representatives from The Salvation Army, the American Red Cross, United Jewish Communities, Catholic Charities USA, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA 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 ;ocal board made up of Moultrie Mayor William McIntosh, the United Way of Colquitt County, the American Red Cross, the Catholic community, Colquitt Food Bank, Cross Roads Rescue Mission, the Protestant community, Salvation Army, Colquitt County Government, Southwest Georgia Community Action Council, Serenity House and the Jewish community will determine how the funds awarded to Colquitt County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. 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 organizations chosen to receive funds must meet certain criteria, including:

• Be a private voluntary non-profits or units of government.

• Be eligible to receive federal funds.

• 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. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Colquitt County has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds previously with Colquitt Food Bank, SW GA Community Action Council, Serenity House, Colquitt County Red Cross, and Crossroads Gospel Rescue Mission participating. These agencies were responsible for providing 9,076 meals, 126 rent and utility bills and 589 nights of lodging in 2009.

Public or private voluntary organizations interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Angela Castellow, executive director of the United Way of Colquitt County, at 985-2627 for an application. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, Feb. 24.

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