Jenkins County awarded federal funds

Jenkins County has been chosen to receive $5,965 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

The selection was made by a national board chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency 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 USA; and United Way of America. 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 made up of representatives from local government, Salvation Army, United Way, Catholic churches, Protestant churches, local businesses and the local community at-large. These representatives will determine how the funds will be awarded to Jenkins County and how these funds will be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs fun by local service agencies in the area. The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and many additional funds available under this phase of the program.

Under the terms of the grant from the national board, local agencies 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 private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Jenkins County has distributed emergency food and shelter funds previously with Jenkins County DFCS, Safe Haven and Jenkins County Family Enrichment Center participating. These agencies were responsible for providing meals and lodging during previous years.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Julie Chance by mail at Jenkins County Family Enrichment Center, 527 Barney Avenue, Millen, GA 30442, or by phone at 478-982-8004 for an application. The deadline for applications to be received is Monday, April 2.