LEWISTON – United Way of Androscoggin County has administered the process of distributing $59,785 from the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program of the Federal Emergency and Management Agency.

The funds will be used locally to increase emergency food and shelter programs in Androscoggin County. The national board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.

Members of a local board evaluated how the funds should be distributed to local service organizations in Androscoggin County. Under the terms of the grant from the national board, selected organizations must: be private, voluntary nonprofit organizations or units of government; have an accounting system; practice nondiscrimination; have demonstrated the capacity to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs; and have a voluntary board of directors if a private, voluntary organization.

“United Way is serving as a facilitator in distributing the funds to local social service agencies to help families who are facing hunger and need emergency shelter services,” said Larry Marcoux, chairman of the local board responsible for fund distribution.

“With the reduction in state and local government support, many people will benefit from this funding that will ensure basic necessities are met – nourishing food and a safe place to stay in an emergency,”he said.

The following county organizations will be awarded with 2007 FEMA funding: Abused Women’s Advocacy Project, $4,824, emergency shelter services; Catholic Charities of Maine St. Francis House, $4,268, emergency shelter services and $2,980, mass feedings; High Street Food Pantry, $700, food bank and $300, supplies and equipment.

Also, Hope Haven Gospel Mission, $5,754, emergency shelter services; L/A Area Development Corp., $3,481, rent/mortgage services; New Beginnings, $5,476, emergency shelter services; Rural Community Action Ministry, $8,187, food bank; St. Martin de Porres Residence, $5,143, emergency shelter services and $2,000, mass feedings.

Also, Salvation Army, $3,681, food bank and $3,480, utility assistance; Sisters of Charity Health System’s Good Shepherd Food Pantry, $4,060, food bank; and Trinity Jubilee Center, $4,255, mass feedings.

For more information about United Way of Androscoggin County or to find out how to donate, call 795-4000 or visit www.unitedwayandro.org.