Contributed

Moore County will receive $16,402 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county from the state set-aside awards, according to a news release

The county did not qualify for a direct award from the National Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP).

Congress has appropriated $119,760,000 to supplement and expand emergency food and shelter programs. With the receipt of the $119,760,000 for use in fiscal year 2012, the EFSP national board is again reserving a portion of these funds for the state set-aside (SSA) process, the release said.

This process allows for additional flexibility in selecting jurisdictions for funding. The national board requires, prior to selecting jurisdictions for funding, that the SSA Committee consider jurisdictions:

n That previously qualified for the program, but no longer meet the established formula and demonstrate high levels of need.

n With unusually high levels of unemployment or poverty, but do not meet the minimum 300 unemployed cut-off.

n That have pockets of homelessness or poverty and do not qualify for direct funding.

n That are experiencing recent negative economic changes, such as plant closings.

Through direct and SSA awards, each state receives a minimum of $250,000. SSA awards are based upon the unemployment in the nonqualifying jurisdictions in the state. Moore County's portion of those awards is $16,402.

The designation is made by a national board that is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from the Salvation Army; American Red Cross; United Jewish Communities; Catholic Charities USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; and United Way of America.

The local board is charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.

The local board made up of representatives from the United Way of Moore County, the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, the Department of Social Services and others will determine how the funds awarded to Moore County are to be distributed. Administered by the United Way, the funds will be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the county. It is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact the United Way of Moore County at 375-D Southeast Broad St. in Southern Pines or by calling (910) 692-2413 for an application.

The deadline for applications to be returned to the United Way office is 3 p.m. Jan. 25. No applications will be taken after the deadline.

Applicants must be available to answer questions regarding their applications at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 29 at the United Way office.