Weakley County Awarded Federal Funds for Shelter, Food

Weakley County, Tennessee was awarded $13,416 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county in Phase 37 funding of the National Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP).

Additionally, Weakley County was awarded $19,128 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county in CARES funding. The selection was made by a national board chaired by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency. A 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.

A local board, consisting of citizens and leaders from across the county, will determine how the funds are distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs operated by local service agencies in the area. The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under this phase of the program.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Weakley County has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds previously with Martin Housing Authority and Santa’s Helpers of Dresden participating. These agencies were responsible for providing many meals and utility assistance. Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Erica Moore at the Weakley County Office of the Mayor, (731) 364-5413, 116 West Main Street, Room 106, in Dresden for an application.