County to receive $10,000 in federal emergency funds

PRESS RELEASE — Cherokee County has been chosen to receive $10,640 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

The selection was made by a national board that is chaired by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and consists of representatives from the Salvations Army, American Red Cross, United Jewish Communities, Catholic Charities, USA, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. and the United Way of America. The 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 consisting of representatives of local government, community action groups, community leaders and concerned citizens will determine how the funds awarded to Cherokee County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service organizations 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 terms of the grant from the national board, local organizations chosen to receive funds most: 1) be private voluntary nonprofits or units of government, 2) have an accounting system, 3) practice nondiscrimination, 4) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food or shelter programs, and 5) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a volunteer board. Qualifying organizations are encouraged to apply if they meet the necessary criteria.

Cherokee County has distributed emergency food and shelter funds previously through the Cherokee County Crisis Center. This agency has been responsible for providing food and shelter assistance to needy county residents through this program for eight years.

Public or private voluntary organizations interested in applying for these funds may contact Jerry Scruggs at 927-7545. The deadline for applying for funds is March 24.