By By Steve Gillespie/The Meridian Star
Dec. 30, 2001
Applications are being accepted from non-profit organizations in Lauderdale County to share in a $44,529 grant awarded by the Emergency Food &Shelter National Board Program.
The National Board is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The board also consists of representatives from The Salvation Army; American Red Cross; United Jewish Communities; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; and United Way of America, the fiscal agent for the program.
Money for the program is appropriated by Congress for "high-need" areas around the country based on population, unemployment rates and other factors.
A local board, made up of local representatives of the national organizations and others in the community, determine how the money will be distributed.
Louis Sutton, president of United Way of East Mississippi, said this is the 20th year for the program.
Sutton said the local United Way's role is to convene the local board, which is made up of different people each year.
The local board has previously distributed grant money to the American Red Cross; The Salvation Army; Multi-County Community Service Agency; Wesley House; Love Inc.; Peavey House; United Way of East Mississippi; and Care Lodge.
Local government or private voluntary organizations chosen to receive funds must be non-profit; have an accounting system and conduct an annual audit; practice non-discrimination; demonstrate the ability to deliver emergency food or shelter programs; and if they are a private, voluntary organization, have a volunteer board of directors.
To apply for emergency food and shelter funds, submit an application letter to the United Way of East Mississippi, P.O. Box 5376, Meridian, MS 39302. Agencies should identify their specific emergency food and shelter programs and provide statistics on past assistance. Applications will be accepted through the close of business Monday, Jan. 7. For more information, call the local United Way office at 693-2732 or 693-2745.
Steve Gillespie is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3233, or e-mail him at sgillespie@themeridianstar.com.