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Hamblen County has been chosen to receive $20,843 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and consists of representatives from the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, The Jewish Federation of North America, Catholic Charities USA, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. and United Way Worldwide.

The Local Board is charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.

The Local Board, made up of representatives from the same human service agencies as the National Board, will determine how the funds awarded to Hamblen County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs in the area.

The Local Board is responsible for recommending agencies that are 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 non-profits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive Federal Funds, 3) have an accounting system with an annual audit, 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, they must have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact the United Way of Hamblen County office at 581-8601. The deadline for a new application is February 10.