May 9, 2024 3:20 a.m.

Greater Douglas United Way has been chosen to receive $50,701 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in Douglas County.

Executive Director Bryan Trenkle said 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 the American Red Cross, United Way Worldwide, and several faith-based organizations.

Trenkle said 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 made up of Greater Douglas United Way staff, local service providers and volunteers will determine how the funds awarded are to be distributed among emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in Douglas County. This board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under these phases of the program.

Under the terms of the grant from the national board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must:

*Be private voluntary non-profits or units 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 programs

*If they are a private voluntary organization, have a volunteer board

Organizations interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds can contact Greater Douglas United Way at 702 Southeast Jackson Street for an application. Call 672-1734 for further information.