Southeast Nebraska Region B Awarded Federal Funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program

Southeast Nebraska Region B has been chosen to receive an additional $22,865 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the area for this fiscal year. 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; Council of Jewish Federations; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A; and United Way Worldwide.

The Local 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 representing similar entities will determine on February 6th how the Southeast Nebraska Region B funds 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. Under the terms of the National Board grant, 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 accounting 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, have a voluntary board.

Qualifying agencies are urged to apply. To acquire a proposal application or for further information, contact Ardith Hoins, Local EFSP Board chair, Blue Valley Community Action Partnership, 402-729-2278 no later than Wednesday, February 5, at 3 pm.

Southeast Nebraska Region B has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds to three agencies last year who provided 974 meals for 1964 individuals, 146 nights of shelter for 15 individuals and assisted with partial payments of 63 rent or utility bills for 148 individuals.