Jan. 3, 2007: UW to Distribute Emergency Food & Shelter Funds
United Way Now Accepting Applications for the Federal Funds

CONTACT: Jessica Johnson

423-752-0322

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: Jan. 3, 2007

HAMILTON COUNTY HAS BEEN AWARDED FEDERAL FUNDS UNDER THE EMERGENCY FOOD AND SHELTER NATIONAL BOARD PROGRAM

United Way of Greater Chattanooga now accepting applications for the federal funds

CHATTANOOGA, TN?Hamilton County has been chosen to receive $160,678 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the country. Applications to receive the federal funds are now being accepted by United Way of Greater Chattanooga.

The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and consists of representatives from The Salvation Army; American Red Cross; United Jewish Communities; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. and United Way of America which will provide the administrative staff and function as fiscal agent. 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 made up of Catholic Charities, Episcopal Metropolitan Ministry, Chattanooga Human Services, Hamilton County Government, Tennessee Department of Human Services, Chattanooga Homeless Coalition, Jewish Community Federation, American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, the Partnership for Families Children and Adults, United Way 2-1-1, the Medical Society of Chattanooga, and Homeless Health Care will determine how the funds awarded to Hamilton 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 the terms of the grant from the National Board, local organizations chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) have an accounting system, 3) practice nondiscrimination, 4) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 5) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board. Qualifying organizations are urged to apply.

Hamilton County has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds previously with Chattanooga Human Services, Hamilton County Social Services, Salvation Army, Northside Neighborhood House, Partnership for Families, Children and Adults, Catholic Charities, Room in the Inn, Samaritan Center, and Episcopal Metropolitan Ministries. In 2006, this funding helped these agencies provide 9,457 meals, 3,410 nights lodging, as well as assistance with 143 rent payments and 378 utility bills.

Public or private voluntary organizations interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Jamie Bergmann with United Way of Greater Chattanooga at 752-0318 or Tim Chavis with United Way 2-1-1 at 752-0357 for an application.

The deadline for applications is Friday, January 12, 2007 by the close of business.