Prince Edward County has been chosen to receive $9,224.00 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in Prince Edward County.

The selection was made by a National Board that was chaired by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and consists of representatives from the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Council of Jewish Federations, Catholic Charities, USA National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA and the United Way of America which will provide the administrative staff and function as fiscal agent. The 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 Local Board will be made up of a member from the Farmville Area Community Emergency Services (FACES), Farmville Area Ministerial Association (FAMA), Meals on Wheels, Senior Citizens of Prince Edward (SCOPE), St. Theresa Catholic Church, Salvation Army, United Way and individuals from the community. The Board will determine how the award to Prince Edward County is to be distributed to established Emergency Food and Shelter programs administered by member agencies.

The Board will be reestablished at a meeting on Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the SCOPE Meals on Wheels Office, 505 Griffin Blvd., Farmville, VA 23901. Once established, the Board will review request and determine distribution for the allotted funds.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local government or private volunteer organizations chosen to receive funds must: (1) be non-profit, (2) have an accounting system and conduct an annual audit, (3) practice non-discrimination, (4) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs and (5) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board, qualifying organizations are urged to apply.

For several years Prince Edward has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter Funds through its member agencies. Meals, utility payments, rent, and other emergency services have been provided.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Mr. Larry Lehman at the Meherrin United Methodist Church, US Rt. 360 and Stage Coach Rd., Meherrin, Virginia 23954 or by telephone at (434) 607-2399 for an application. The deadline for applications is January 2, 2013. Applications received after that date will not be considered.

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