LEWISTON – The United Way of Androscoggin County has announced that it has been selected to administer a grant from the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program to aid in the local fight against homelessness and hunger.

This year the agency is slated to receive $72,425. The grant will be administered by a local board comprised of area nonprofit leaders, local municipalities and members of the faith community. In addition, an individual who has successfully overcome homelessness will also serve on the board.

“With the needs in our community greater than at any time in recent history, this grant will go a long way toward helping the homeless in our area,” said Joleen Bedard, executive director of United Way of Androscoggin County. “It’s imperative that as a community we come together to ensure the availability of programs and services that are so desperately needed.” she said.

Under the terms of the grant, local organizations are eligible to apply if they meet the following criteria: must be private voluntary nonprofit organizations or units of government, have an accounting system, practice nondiscrimination, have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs and have a voluntary board of directors if a private voluntary organization.

All qualifying organizations are encouraged to apply. To obtain an application, contact Larry Marcoux at the United Way by calling 795-4000 or via e-mail at [email protected].