Cole County residents may benefit after a program that makes federal funds available for people in need was extended.
Congress approved funds for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Emergency Food and Shelter Program. A local board made up of representatives from local governments, nonprofit social service agencies and religious organizations oversees the awards distributed for Mid-Missouri.
The United Way of Central Missouri announced Tuesday that Cole County is to receive $8,892; Callaway, $5,750; Moniteau, $1,892; and Osage, $1,188.
Funds can be used only for assisting people by providing food, mass shelter and/or mass feeding, or supplies or equipment. Under terms of the FEMA grant, there are requirements for receiving the grants.
Those terms include that the organization be a private voluntary nonprofit or unit of government, have an accounting system, practice nondiscrimination, have demonstrated the ability to deliver emergency utility, food and/or shelter programs, and have a voluntary board if they are a private voluntary organization. The local board is responsible for final funding decisions.
Public or private voluntary organizations in Cole, Callaway, Moniteau and Osage counties can pick up an application for the program at the United Way office at 205 Alameda Drive in Jefferson City or contact Sarah Schatsiek at 573-636-4100 or [email protected].
The deadline to submit applications is 5 p.m. Aug. 17.