Lafayette County has been awarded federal funds made available through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP). Lafayette County has been chosen to receive $24,425 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

The selection 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; The Jewish Federations of North America; The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; 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 county, city, non-profit and church representatives will determine how the funds are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs in the area. The Local Board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds under this phase of the program.

Under the terms of the grant, local organizations chosen to receive funds must:

1) be private, voluntary non-profits 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, they must have a voluntary board.  Qualifying organizations are urged to apply.

Lafayette County has participated in the program since 1985 and has received $432,076 over that period in support of the county’s emergency food and shelter needs.  Phase 33 program funds were distributed to the Pantry, Interfaith Compassion Ministry, and the Salvation Army.

Organizations interested in applying for EFSP Phase 34 funds can download the application from the United Way of Oxford & Lafayette County’s website (www.unitedwayoxfordms.org/efsp34) or pick up a copy at the United Way office (440 N. Lamar Blvd., Suite 5) in Oxford. Completed applications must be received at the United Way office by 5 p.m. on Monday, July 3.

For further information, contact Kurt Brummett at 662-236-4265.