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

Effingham has been chosen to receive $14,088 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. These funds have been made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Under the terms of the grant from the national board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive federal funds, 3) have an account 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, they must have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Effingham County has distributed emergency food and shelter funds previously with several local non-profit organizations participating. These agencies were responsible for providing more than 1,982 meals and 16 nights of lodging during the year 2008.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for ARRA Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact local board Chairperson Bonnie Dixon, United Way, 711 Zitterour Rd., Rincon, GA 31326, bdixon@uwce.org; 912.826.5300 for an application. The deadline for applications to be received is July 13.