Liberty County has been chosen to receive $23,137 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

The selection was made by a national board that is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from The Salvation Army; American Red Cross; United Jewish Communities; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; 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.

A FEMA board made up of local residents will determine how the funds awarded to Liberty County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by service agencies in Liberty County.

The local FEMA board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under Phase 29 of the program.

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

Liberty County previously has distributed emergency food and shelter funds with several local agencies participating. These agencies were responsible for providing innumerable meals, nights of lodging, emergency rent/mortgage assistance and emergency utility assistance.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for emergency food and shelter program funds should call Jennifer Darsey at 368-4282 or email jdarsey@uwce.org for an application.

The deadline for applications to be received (not postmarked) is 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11. No applications will be accepted after this deadline.