Jenkins County has been chosen to receive $7,863 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

The selection was made by a National Board that is 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 U.S.A.; and, United Way of America. The local board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shel- ter 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 run by local service agencies 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 agencies chosen to receive funds must: 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 and / or shelter programs, and 5) if they are a 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 Department of Family and Children Services, 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 Mandy Underwood by mail at the Jenkins County Family Enrichment Center, 527 Barney Avenue, Millen, GA 30442 or by phone at (478) 982-8004 for an application. The deadline is March 11.