Updated Every Thursday Evening

February 26, 2009 EDITION

HCUW will receive $25,187 to fight hunger By Scott Nicholson Watauga County has received some assistance to help fight local hunger, though need continues to climb in the wake of a sluggish economy. The county has been awarded $25,187 through the Emergency Food and Shelter National Program, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency. The High Country United Way will distribute the money to local agencies based on applications. Linda Slade, United Way executive director, said the money was both good news and bad news. “This is about $5,000 more than we received last year,” she said. “It’s unfortunate in a way, because it indicates we have a higher rate of unemployment or underemployment, but it’s good to have that money coming in from the federal government.” The money is designated through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act “to supplement and expanding ongoing efforts to provide shelter, food and supportive services for the nation’s hungry, homeless and people in economic crisis.” Slade said most United Way agencies are seeing tighter funding this year because donations and resources have declined while need continues to grow. “We could probably use twice that much money, from what I’m understanding from those who work with the hungry or in crisis management,” Slade said. “Giving to the United Way is down this year, and it’s directly tied to the economy. It’s just a tough time right now.” A local board, comprised of members of the community, service agencies and local government units, will meet March 17 to determine the distribution of the funds among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies. Agencies in Watauga County may apply for a portion of the funding with a letter of request to Linda Slade, High Country United Way, P.O. Box 247, Boone, N.C. 28607. In order to apply, local agencies must (1) be private, voluntary nonprofits or units of government (2) have an accounting system, (3) practice non-discrimination, (4) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs and (5) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board. Letters of request to apply must be received by 5 p.m. on Fri., March 13. For questions or further information, contact Linda Slade, High Country United Way, at (828) 265-2111.

HOME - NEWS - EVENTS - MARKETPLACE - CLASSIFIEDS - VISITOR INFO - CONTACT - PRIVACY POLICY   Get Firefox

©2009 The Mountain Times. All rights reserved. Reproduction of advertising and design work strictly prohibited. 474 Industrial Park Drive / PO Box 1815 • Boone, North Carolina  28607 • Telephone 828.264.6397 • Fax 828.262.0282 • Classifieds 828.264.1881