HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County has been selected to receive $3143.84 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the area. The selection was made by a national board which is chaired by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The national board includes representatives from the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, National Council of the Churches of Christ USA, Salvation Army, United Jewish Communities, and United Way of America. A board was charged to distribute funds appropiated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need regions throughout the country. The Emergency Food and Shelter Program began in 1983 with a $50 million federal appropriation.

A local board, consisting of several agencies and churches, will determine how the funds awarded to Towns County will be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs operated by organizations in the area. The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and additional funds available under the program’s current phase. Under the terms of the grant from the national board, local organizations must be private, voluntary non-profits or units, have an accounting system, practice non-discrimination, demonstrate the capacity to deliver emergency food and shelter programs, and have a voluntary board if a private organization. Qualifying agencies only, rather than individuals, are urged to apply.

Towns County has previously distributed emergency food and shelter funds with Ninth District Opportunity along with other participating local agencies which were responsible for providing food and shelter for local individuals and families.

Public or private agencies interested in applying for the the programs funds must submit a request to: Brenda Dalin, Ninth District Opportunity, Inc. P.O. Drawer L, Gainesville, GA 30501

The deadline to apply is Aug. 2, 2019.