LEWISTON – The United Way of Androscoggin County facilitated the process to distribute $49,905 from the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program of the Federal Emergency and Management Agency.

The funds will be used locally to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in Androscoggin County. The national 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.

Members of a local board reviewed how the funds awarded to Androscoggin County should be distributed to local service organizations in the area. Under the terms of the grant, selected local organizations must be private, voluntary nonprofit organizations or units of government; have an accounting system; practice non-discrimination; have demonstrated the capacity to delivery emergency food and/or shelter programs; and have a voluntary board of directors if a private, voluntary organization.

“United Way is pleased to serve as a facilitator in distributing these funds to local social services 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.

Local organizations that will receive FEMA awards are as follows: Abused Women’s Advocacy Project, $7,632 for emergency shelter services; Catholic Charities Maine St. Francis House, $4,000 for emergency shelter services and $2,800 for mass feedings; Hope Haven Gospel Mission, $5,000 for emergency shelter services; New Beginnings, $4,600 for emergency shelter services.

Also, Rural Community Action Ministry, $5,000 for its food bank; St. Martin de Porres Residence, $4,000 for emergency shelter services and $1,000 for mass feedings; SeniorsPlus, $575 for its food bank; Salvation Army, $4,250 for its food bank and $3,300 for utility assistance; Sisters of Charity Health System’s Good Shepherd Food Pantry, $4,250 for its food bank; and Trinity Jubilee Center, $2,500 for mass feedings.

For more information about the United Way or to find out about methods to donate and how contributions help the residents of Androscoggin County, call 795-4000 or visit the Web at www.unitedwayandro.org.