Island County has been awarded federal funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program.

Island County has been chosen to receive $5,535 supplement emergency food and shelter program in the county. These funds have been made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Management Agency and consist of representative from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; 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 United Way of Island County, American Red Cross, Citizens Against Domestic Abuse, Opportunity Council, Island County Housing Authority, Good Cheer and Help House and churches will determine how the funds awards to Island County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. The board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds made available through the ARRA.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chose to receive funds must be private voluntary non-profits or units of government; be eligible to receive federal funds; have an accounting system; practice nondiscrimination; have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs; and if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply. Applications due July 2. Contact United Way of Island County.