LEWISTON – United Way of Androscoggin County has announced that it has been selected to administer a grant in the amount of $35,869 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program to aid in the local fight against homelessness and hunger.

The selection was made by a national board chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; Salvation Army; United Jewish Communities; and United Way of America.

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.

The board will determine how the funds awarded to Androscoggin County are to be distributed among emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies. The board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive the funds.

“We are pleased that Androscoggin County has been chosen to receive additional funds to help combat rising homelessness and hunger here in our local community,” said Joleen Bedard, executive director of United Way of Androscoggin County. “Government grants, as well as the generosity of local companies and individuals, will be vitally needed this year to help the many individuals and families suffering from the current economic recession.”

All qualifying organizations are encouraged to apply. To obtain an application, contact Larry Marcoux at United Way, 795-4000, or via e-mail at [email protected]. The application deadline is 3 p.m. Monday, May 18, at United Way of Androscoggin County.