By By Lisa Tindell – news editor
Organizations who provide emergency food and shelter have a shot at a portion of more than $21,000 in funding through the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program for 2009.
Emergency Management Director David Adams said the annual grant was increased for 2009 with distribution of the funding to be decided in the next few weeks.
Adams said two agencies in Escambia County have historically received the grant funds through the application process.
Criteria for organizations requesting a portion of the funds include their being a private voluntary non-profit organization or unit of government. Organizations must also have an accounting system and practice nondiscrimination. They must have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs as well. If the group is a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board and applications must submit documentation of recipients receiving services.
Adams, who serves as chairman of the local emergency food and shelter board, said the local board will be accepting applications for funding with a final determination to be made by Feb. 11.
Applicants interested in participating should contact Adams at the EMA offices by calling 867-0232 or by writing to him at P.O. Box 848, Brewton, AL 36427. Additionally, applicants may contact Mae Downing at 867-2358 or by writing to her at P.O. Box 955, Brewton, AL 36427.
All applications should be submitted by Feb. 9. The local board will meet in the offices of the Escambia County Operations Center in room 109 at the Escambia County Courthouse on Feb. 11 at noon. An allocation of funds will be announced at the meeting.