County receives federal funds to assist with food and shelter services.

#MasonCountyNews

LUDINGTON — Mason County has been awarded federal funds in the amount of $4,388, which have been made available through the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency.   These dollars will be awarded to local programs to help supplement emergency food and shelter services in Mason County.

For a local organization to receive funding, the national board requires that they meet the following criteria to receive funds:

• Be private voluntary non-profit or unit of government
• Be eligible to receive federal funds
• Have an accounting system
• Practice nondiscrimination
• Have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter
• If they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. 

Organizations meeting these qualifications are encouraged to apply for these funds by contacting Lynne Russell, United Way of Mason County, 108 South Rath Avenue, Suite 201, Ludington or by phone at 843-8593 for an application by Tuesday, September 20, 2016.  The Local Board will be meeting on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 to determine how the dollars should be awarded to local agencies. 

In turn, a local board made up of representatives from American Red Cross, Catholic Charities West Michigan, C.O.V.E., Cornerstone Baptist Church, FiveCAP, Inc., Ludington Area Senior Center, Mason County Commissioners, The Salvation Army and United Way of Mason County will determine how the funds awarded to Mason County are to be distributed among the 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.