Local United Way wins $23K grant for emergency food, shelter programs

By Patrick Lynn

The United Way of Portage County announced last month that it was named the fiscal agent for a FEMA award totaling $23,364 for emergency food and shelter.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) awarded Portage Co. with the funds for emergency needs funding.

The funds will be distributed for direct emergency assistance and are to be focused on children, the elderly, and the prevention of homelessness of all ages, according to a news release from the United Way.

Agencies that apply for the funding should be non-profit, faith-based, or government organization with proven ability to deliver emergency food or shelter assistance to those in need. Funding is not open to individuals, although they can apply directly to agencies for assistance.

Qualified local emergency service agencies may request an application by contacting United Way of Portage County by phone at 715-254-2183 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Agencies that previously benefitted from the funding include Operation Bootstrap, the Salvation Army, Portage County Health and Human Services, CAP Services, Community Thrift Store and Energy Services of Portage County.