Feb. 5, 2009 – The Virgin Islands has been chosen to receive $279,300 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the territory. Last year the amount awarded was $212,058. A National Board, which is made up of affiliates of national voluntary organizations and is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), made the selection. United Way of America will provide the administrative staff and function as fiscal agent. The board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas, according to a press release from the United Way.
A local board made up of representatives of the Salvation Army, United Way, American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, and representatives of St. Croix and the local government will determine how the funds are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service organizations in the area. The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.
Local governmental or private voluntary agencies are being asked to apply for these funds. Under the terms of this grant from the National Board, to receive funds organizations must:
1. be non-profit and have a voluntary board if applicant is a private voluntary organization
2. have an accounting system
3. practice nondiscrimination
4. have demonstrated the capability to deliver food and/or shelter programs
On St. Thomas, applications may be picked up at the United Way office at Nisky Center, Suite 220. On St. Croix, applications may be picked up at the Lutheran Social Services office on Hospital Street, Frederiksted. The deadline for applying is February 17.
For further information, call the United Way office at 774-3185.