The Leflore County Emergency Food and Shelter Program received $17,511 to fund emergency assistance and is now looking for qualified organizations to assist those in need.
The program distributes funding to participating agencies that provide emergency food, shelter or utility assistance. To qualify, an organization must provide one of those services, have a volunteer board and be registered as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit.
The local board of directors for the program will meet next Wednesday to plan funding distribution for the coming year.
The organization is part of the federally funded National Emergency Food and Shelter Program. Funds are appropriated annually by Congress and then distributed to counties based on the number of unemployed in each county.
The Leflore County program partners with the Community Food Pantry, the Greenwood Interfaith Ministries Community Kitchen and the Salvation Army. The Food Pantry and the Community Kitchen provide food to families in need, and the Salvation Army provides emergency utility and shelter assistance.
Elizabeth “Pann” Powers, chairman of the county’s program, said it has been running for 30 years.
Any qualified organization interested in participating in the program is encouraged to call Powers before Oct. 30 at 453-6057.
• Contact Bryn Stole at 581-7235 or bstole@gwcommonwealth.com.
