The Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency in Bledsoe, Marion, Meigs, Polk and Sequatchie counties has been awarded almost $34,000 in federal money to supplement emergency food and shelter programs.
Officials said in a statement that Marion County will receive $13,547, Meigs will get $6,198, Polk $7,898, and Sequatchie will receive $6,326 through the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program.
The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by FEMA and consists of representatives from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Jewish Federations of North America, The Salvation Army; and, United Way Worldwide. 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.
Officials said a local board will determine how the funds awarded to SETHRA are to be distributed among the emergency 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.
Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Melissa Gholston at 423-949- 2191 ext. 142 for an application. The deadline for applications to be received is May 26.