LEWISTON – United Way of Androscoggin County was chosen to receive $53,609 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in Androscoggin County.

The selection was made by the National Board of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, United Jewish Communities, Catholic Charities USA, National Council of Churches of Christ in 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 will review how the funds awarded to Androscoggin County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service organizations in the area.

Under the terms of the grant from the national board, local organizations chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary nonprofit organizations or units of government; 2) have an accounting system; 3) practice nondiscrimination; 4) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and; 5) have a voluntary board of directors if a private voluntary organization. Qualifying organizations are urged to apply.

The United Way distributed FEMA funds in 2005 to Abused Women’s Advocacy Shelter, Good Shepherd Food Pantry, Trinity Jubilee Center, CCM St. Francis House, Hope Haven Gospel Mission, New Beginnings, Rural Community Action Ministry, St. Martin de Porres Residence and the Salvation Army.

Public or private organizations interested in applying for emergency food and shelter program funds must download application and instructions from United Way Web site: www.unitedwayandro.org. For more information, contact Larry Marcoux, director, resource allocation, 795-4000. The application deadline is Friday, Jan. 20.

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