Request for Applications in Anticipation of Federal Funds from the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program

TACOMA, Wash. – The Pierce County local board of the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program is accepting applications for 2006. Pierce County may receive up to $480,000 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county for 2006.

The National Board is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and consists of representatives from The Salvation Army, American Red Cross, United Jewish Communities, Catholic Charities USA, National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA and United Way of America which will provide the administrative staff and function as fiscal agent. The 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 the City of Tacoma, Pierce County government, Associated Ministries, American Red Cross, Catholic Community Services, The Salvation Army, United Way of Pierce County and community members will determine how funds awarded to Pierce County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service organizations in the area. The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under the phase of the program.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local organizations chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) have an accounting system, 3) practice non-discrimination, 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 organizations are urged to apply.

Public or private voluntary organizations interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds should contact RaeAnne Giron at (253) 597-6231 or raeanneg@uwpc.org. The deadline for application is January 16, 2006.