LEWISTON – United Way of Androscoggin County has received $59,785 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for emergency food and shelter programs.

A local board will review how the money is to be distributed by local service organizations in the area.

Under the terms of the grant, local organizations chosen to receive funds must be private, voluntary nonprofit organizations or units of government; must have an accounting system; must practice non-discrimination; must have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and must have a voluntary board of directors if they are private nonprofits. Qualifying organizations are urged to apply.

United Way distributed FEMA funds in 2006 to Sisters of Charity Food Pantry, Trinity Jubilee Center, Catholic Charities Maine’s 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 the United Way Web site: www.unitedwayandro.org.

For more information, contact Larry Marcoux, director of community impact, 207-795-4000 at the United Way office. The application deadline is Jan. 12, 2007.