3/13/08
Clarendon County to receive emergency food relief funds

Clarendon County has been awarded federal funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program.

The county will receive $27, 637 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs operating here, according to Hal Lowder, chairman of the Clarendon County Local Board of the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program.

The selection of local boards to receive funds was made by a National Board that is chaired by the 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 U.S.A.; The 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.

A Local Board will determine how the funds awarded to Clarendon County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service organizations in the area. This board consists of representatives from the following agencies: Clarendon County Council, an advocate for the homeless, United Way, The American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Clarendon County Council on Aging, Clarendon County Disabilities and Special Needs Board, Clarendon County Department of Social Services, Wateree Community Actions, Inc., St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Manning United Methodist Church, and United Ministries of Clarendon County. The Local Board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program, according to Lowder.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: (1) Be private, voluntary, non-profits or units of government; (2) have an accounting system; (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 agencies are urged to apply.

Clarendon County has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds previously with the following organizations participating: Clarendon County Disabilities and Special Needs Board; Wateree Community Actions, Inc; Manning United Methodist Church; Clarendon County Council on Aging; United Ministries of Clarendon County, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. These agencies were responsible for providing over 15,000 meals to those in need, and utility assistance to over 69 individuals.

Public or private voluntary organizations interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Lowder at (803) 478-7256 for an application. Documentation of the above requirements is necessary, and the deadline is 4 p.m. on March 18, 2008.