United Way: Emergency food, shelter program funds available

The United Way of Central Missouri announced Wednesday that Congress has appropriated funds for the extension of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) for what's called "Phase 31."

Noon on Jan. 15 is the deadline for groups in Cole, Callaway, Moniteau and Osage counties to apply for federal funds from FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Federal law requires a board of local government representatives, non-profit social service agencies and religious organizations to oversee the Phase 31 award distribution for Mid-Missouri's District 1. That board has determined the total funding for the district is $8,976 for Cole County, $6,506 for Callaway County, $2,694 for Moniteau County and $2,331 for Osage County.

The FEMA grant's terms require local organizations eligible to receive the funds to:

• Be private voluntary nonprofits, with a voluntary board, or units of government.

• Have an accounting system.

• Practice nondiscrimination.

• Demonstrate the ability to deliver emergency utility, food and/or shelter programs.

Interested organizations should contact the United Way of Central Missouri, 205 Alameda Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109 for an application.

Or they can call 636-4100.

Applications also can be printed from the United Way website, www.unitedwaycemo.org.

The District 1 local board will be responsible for the final funding decisions for the qualifying organizations that apply under this phase of the program.