January 9, 2025 2:50 a.m.

Greater Douglas United Way has been chosen to receive $43,859 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in Douglas County.

A GDUW release said the selection was made by a national board that is chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Management Agency and consists of representatives from the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, the Jewish Federations of North Americas, the Salvation Army and United way worldwide.

GDUW Executive Director Bryan 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. The local board, made up of GDUW staff, local service providers and volunteers will determine how the funds awarded to local United Way are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in Douglas County.

Under the terms of the grant, 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 non-discrimination
*Have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs and
*If they are a private voluntary agency, have a voluntary board

Agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds should contact Greater Douglas United Way for an application. Applications are due back by Thursday, January 30th at 4:00 p.m.