Catoosa County government has been awarded federal funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) for the Emergency Food and Shelter national board program.

Catoosa County has been chosen to receive $19,390 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. These funds have been made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

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 American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, The Salvation Army, United Jewish Communities, and United Way of America. 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 representatives from American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, the National Council of the Churches of Christ, The Salvation Army, United Way 211, an appointee of the local government, the Department of Family and Children Service, and a homeless representative will determine how the funds awarded to Catoosa County government are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area.

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; and if they are a private voluntary organization they must have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Catoosa County Government has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds previously, with Salvation Army, the Department of Family and Children Services, and the Catoosa County Children’s Fund participating.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for ARRA Emergency Food and Shelter program funds must contact Jane Frye, Catoosa County Government, 800 LaFayette Street, Ringgold GA 30736, or jane.frye@catoosa.com for an application. The deadline for applications to be received is July 9.