MASON COUNTY HAS BEEN AWARDED FEDERAL FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)/FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY UNDER THE EMERGENCY FOOD AND SHELTER NATIONAL BOARD PROGRAM.
Mason County has been chosen to receive $6,812.00 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. These funds are to be used between the dates of October 1, 2022 and December 31, 2024.
The selection was made by a National Board that is 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; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Jewish Federations of North America, The Salvation Army; and, United Way Worldwide. The Local Board is 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 made up of representatives from various local agencies and organizations will determine how the funds awarded to Mason County, IL are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. The Local Board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under this phase of the program.
Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary nonprofits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.
Mason County has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds previously with Illinois Ability Sports, The Salvation Army, The Center for Youth and Family Services and Fulton-Mason Crisis Center participating. These agencies were responsible for providing meals, nights of lodging rent and utility assistance with these funds.
Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds may find more information and the application at EFSP Phase 41 - Mason County Information and Application | United Way of Logan County (uwlogancountyil.org) or contact Patti Becker, United Way of Logan County and Board Chair at uwloganil@comcast.net for an application (phone 217-735-4499).
The deadline for applications to be received is Friday, March 29, 2024 at 4 PM.