County Awarded Federal Funds under Emergency Food and Shelter National Program

Gulf County has been chosen to receive $8,219 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Salvation Army; United Jewish Communities 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 Local Board made up of representatives from (American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, Gulf County Board of County Commission,  a homeless  or formerly homeless representative, and other appointed committee members) will determine how the funds awarded to Gulf 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 agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) have an accounting system, 3) practice nondiscrimination, 4) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 5) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board.  Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Gulf County has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds previously with Gulf County Senior Citizens.  This agency was responsible for providing over 2400 meals and 0 nights of lodging.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Stephanie Richardson, Emergency Operations Center, 1000 Cecil G. Costin Sr. Blvd., Bldg. 500, Port St. Joe, FL 32456, or call 229-9110 for an application. The deadline for applications to be received is February 18, 2010.