FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MARION COUNTY LOCAL EMERGENCY FOOD AND SHELTER PROGRAM
PHASES 40
MARION COUNTY AWARDED FEDERAL FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT
OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY UNDER THE EMERGENCY FOOD AND SHELTER NATIONAL BOARD PROGRAM
OCALA, Fla. December 12, 2022 – United Way of Marion County spread a little cheer before the holidays when they administered Emergency Food and Shelter fund totaling $106,737 to local agencies. Agencies providing housing and utility assistance received the largest allocation of funds.
"The timing of the funds right before the holidays is perfect," said Brother's Keeper Director Jason Halstead. "We can alleviate some stress during the holidays and help families with rent and utilities."
According to Interim CEO Bob Haight, many Marion County families in the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, employed (ALICE) population will benefit from these funds. "Over 50% of Marion County's residents fall into the ALICE population, and they are essential contributors to our workforce and community. The funds will supplement contributions by local, private, and public organizations," Haight said.
Halstead said with the funding his agency received, they would be able to provide rental assistance to 10 families and can help 80 families with their utility bills.
Interfaith Director Karla Grimsley-Greenway agrees that the funding will positively impact the community.
The EFSP funding that Interfaith receives through the United Way is truly the saving grace for some families. It can allow them to get their finances back on track and may literally keep a family from losing their home,: Greenway said.
Other local agencies that received these funds and the amount they received are as follows: Advocacy Resource Center - $5,000; Arnette House - $4,657.82; Brothers Keepers - $23,051.56; Episcopal Children's Services, Inc. - $4,657.82; First Step Food Bank, Inc - $4,657,82; His Compassion - $4,657.82; Interfaith Emergency Services - $23,051.56; Marion County Children's Alliance - $4657.82; Shepherd's Lighthouse - $4,657.82; St. Theresa's Social Services Department - $20,893.86; The Salvation Army - $4,657.82; United Way of Marion County - $2,135.04.
A Local Board made up of representatives from the United Way of Marion County, The Salvation Army, Brother’s Keeper, Interfaith Emergency Services, American Red Cross, Ocala/Marion County Continuum of Care, local clergy, and nonaffiliated volunteers determined how the funds awarded to Marion County, Jurisdiction 166800, are to be distributed among emergency food and shelter programs run by local service organizations in the area. The Local Board was responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds that might become available under this program phase.
For more information, please get in touch with United Way Vice-President of Community Impact Beth Nelson.
(352) 732-9696 or bnelson@uwmc.org
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