Mercer

NOTICE

MERCER COUNTY FEMA FUNDS Mercer County has been awarded federal funds made available through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program. Mercer County has been chosen to receive $21,754 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; The Jewish Federations of North America; The Salvation Army; and, United Way Worldwide. The Local 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 of the Mercer County Commission, American Red Cross, Tender Mercies Ministries, Jesus Victory Crusades (Ministerial Association), Operation Compassion, The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities West Virginia, the Jewish Federation, and local clients will determine how the funds awarded to Mercer County are to 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) be eligible to receive federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 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. Mercer County has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds previously with Tender Mercies Ministries, Operation Compassion, The Salvation Army, and Catholic Charities West Virginia participating. These agencies were responsible for providing meals, lodging and utility payments. Public or private voluntary organizations interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Carol Bailey, Mercer County Chairperson, to apply. She may be contacted at 304-425-4306 or by writing her c/o Catholic Charities West Virginia, P.O. Box 386, Princeton, WV 24740. The deadline for applications to be received at Catholic Charities West Virginia is no later than 9:00 a.m, March 11, 2015.