Morgan County has been awarded $7,103 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs.
The federal funds are being made available through the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program.
A local board made up of United Way, government representatives and clergy will determine how the funds awarded to Morgan County will be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by service agencies in the area. The board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available.
Under the terms of the grant, agencies chosen to receive funds must be private, voluntary non-profits or units of government, be eligible to receive federal funds, have an accounting system, practice non-discrimination and have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food or shelter programs. If the organization is private, it must have a volunteer board.
Morgan County has distributed funds previously to the Jacksonville Area Food Center, Prairie Council on Aging, HELPS Ministry Outreach, The Salvation Army, Crisis Center Foundation, Community Child Care & Service Center, American Red Cross and New Directions Warming and Cooling Center.
Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for funds must contact Karen Walker at Prairieland United Way, 200 W. Douglas Ave., Jacksonville, IL 62650 or call 217-245-4557 for an application. Applications must be returned by Aug. 4.
