Adjustments are being made to the amount of federal dollars available for unexpected needs of food and shelter.
This year, less than $13,000 in federal funds is being made available to supplement emergency food and shelter programs to disadvantaged individuals and families in Bartholomew County.
The exact total is $12,814, which is 73% lower than the $48,180 provided last year at this time.
Congress has approved the creation of a new Shelter and Services program late last year, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said. An estimated $800 million will be transferred to fund the program, he said.
For now, the local amount for emergency food and shelter programs was determined by a national panel chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Both organizations are acting under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program.
As they did last year, federal officials are leaving it up to a local board to recommend what agencies should receive these funds, as well as any additional monies that may become available.
The local board consists of representatives from the United Way of Bartholomew County, the Southeast Indiana Chapter of the American Red Cross, Columbus Township Trustee Ben Jackson, the Jewish community, the Columbus Salvation Army, the Ecumenical Assembly at Love Chapel, and Human Services Inc.
Under the terms of the grants, qualifying local agencies chosen to receive funds must:
- Be private and voluntary nonprofits or units of government.
- Be eligible to receive federal funds.
- Have an accounting system practice.
- Have demonstrated a record of nondiscrimination.
- Demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs.
- Have a voluntary board of directors if they are a private voluntary organization.
In the past, Bartholomew County has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds to Community Center of Hope, Human Services, Love Chapel, Su Casa Columbus and Turning Point Domestic Violence Services. These agencies are responsible for providing client assistance and emergency nights of shelter.
How to apply
Public or private voluntary agencies interest in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program’s Phase 40 funds must submit an application to Lacretia Ulery, Local Board Administrative staff. She can be reached via email at [email protected]
The deadline for applications is March 28.
