United Way receives $158,082 grant for Oneida, Herkimer counties emergency food, shelter programs

Utica, NY (January 28, 2010) The United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area has been chosen to receive $158,082 in federal funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program, also known as FEMA. Exactly $121,083 is designated for Oneida County, and exactly $36,999 is designated for Herkimer County.

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 U.S. A.; The Salvation Army; United Jewish Communities and United Way of America. The Local Boards are charged with distributing funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food, shelter and utility assistance programs in high need areas around the country. The amounts awarded are related to the unemployment rate per county.

United Way is currently accepting applications from government agencies and public and private voluntary organizations in both Oneida and Herkimer Counties.

“This emergency funding is to help support food and shelter programs in areas of high need around the country,” says Phil Hayne, Executive Director of United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area. “The Emergency Food and Shelter grant to our community recognizes the continuing need among Mohawk Valley residents, especially in this time of economic turmoil.”

In order to be considered, applying organizations must:

Be non-profit or unit of government in Oneida or Herkimer County

Practice nondiscrimination

Have an accounting system and conduct an annual audit

Show the capability to deliver emergency food, utility and/or shelter programs

Have a voluntary board, if they are a private voluntary organization

Must not be debarred or suspended from receiving federal funds

Have or apply for a DUNS Number

Qualifying agencies are urged to apply. If the agency exists in both counties please apply to each county separately.

FOR ONEIDA COUNTY APPLICANTS

Funding requests must be received by Wednesday, February 10, 2010, to Operations Specialist, Sophie Jouben, by one of the following methods:

Via Mail: United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area

Attn: Sophie Jouben

270 Genesee Street, Utica NY 13502

Via Fax: 315.733.4105

Via E-mail: sophie.jouben@unitedwaygu.org

FOR HERKIMER COUNTY APPLICANTS

Funding requests must be received by Wednesday, February 10, 2010, to Operations Specialist, Sophie Jouben, by one of the following methods:

Via Mail: United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area

Attn: Sophie Jouben

P.O. Box 523

Ilion, NY 13357

Via Fax: 315.733.4105

Via E-mail: sophie.jouben@unitedwaygu.org

Local volunteer boards of Oneida and Herkimer County residents are responsible for recommending the agencies to receive these funds and any funds available under this phase of the program. United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area provides the administrative staff and functions as the fiscal agent in this process.

“We can all be accountable for the success and growth of our community by lending a helping hand,” says Hayne. “This year’s grant allows us to not only recognize the need for food and shelter services in the Mohawk Valley but also gives us the opportunity to make a maximum impact with the dollars available.”

In 2009, the Emergency Food & Shelter grants awarded to Oneida and Herkimer Counties totaled $203,876 with an additional $86,581 from the America Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant. These funds were distributed between sixteen Oneida County and four Herkimer County organizations, providing meals at local shelters and local food pantries, utility assistance, rent and mortgage assistance, and emergency shelter services.

For more information or an application for the Emergency Food & Shelter grant, contact Sophie Jouben at 315.733.4691 x226 or sophie.jouben@unitedwaygu.org.

About United Way

United Way of the Valley & the Greater Utica Area is a local, independent non-profit organization funding area programs and services that address the most crucial local community impact issues. United Way’s strength is its ability to improve lives by mobilizing its partners to create positive, sustained change in community conditions. For more information, visit www.unitedwaygu.org or call 315.733.4691.

United Way receives $158,082 grant for Oneida, Herkimer counties emergency food, shelter programs

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