Kennebec County has been chosen to receive $39,218 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county, according to a news release from the United Way of Mid-Maine.

The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the U. S. 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 Jewish Federations of North America, The Salvation Army; and, United Way Worldwide. 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.

According to the release, a local board made up of the local United Way, American Red Cross of United Valley, Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, et al. will determine how the funds awarded 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 made 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 nonprofits or units of government, 2.) be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3.) have an accounting system, 4.) practice nondiscrimination, 5.) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6.) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Kennebec County has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds previously with 15 participating agencies. Somerset and Franklin counties have not been awarded direct funding for Phase 35, however agencies in these counties are still encouraged to apply for consideration of State Set-Aside funding in Phase 35, according to the release.

Public or private voluntary agencies in Kennebec or Somerset counties interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must call Stacy Saucier at United Way of Mid-Maine at 873-0686 for an application. Applications must be received by May 10.