Published: January 22, 2007 01:55 pm      

Pontotoc County to receive emergency supplement funds

ADA — Pontotoc County has been chosen to receive $16,000 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and 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 U.S.A.; 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 county.

A local board made up of Catholic Charities, City of Ada, Jewish Organization, American Red Cross, Salvation Army and Council of Churches; will determine how the funds awarded to Pontotoc 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 unities of government, 2) Have an accounting system 3) Practice non-discrimination, 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.

Pontotoc County has distributed Emergency Food and shelter funds previously with Family Crisis Center, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Area Youth Shelter, and Ada Area Community Emergency Services participating. These agencies were responsible for providing over 7000 meals and 600 nights of lodging.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds may contact Gayla Callaway at 704 N. Oak, Room 8 or phone (580) 272-0211 for an application. Deadline for applications to be received is Jan. 25, 2007 by noon.