County Gets Fed Funding for Emergency Food and Shelter

by Duke Harrington
     
     NORWAY — Oxford County will get $45,454 under the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) as part of a $814,937 grant to Maine by the Department of Homeland Security.
     
     “The Emergency Food and Shelter Program is truly a model program for bringing together non-profit groups at the federal and local level and it quickly and effectively provides services to those in need,” said Senator Susan Collins, in a recent release announcing the award.
     
     “Each year, this program helps families throughout Maine and across America who are at risk of losing their homes or going hungry because of circumstances beyond their control,” Collins wrote. “This program is successful because it gives communities the flexibility to determine how best to spend these resources and assist families with the greatest need.”
     
     The funds are filtered to local organizations through United Way Worldwide, based in Alexandria, VA. Dennis Gray, director of the United Way of Oxford County, chairs the committee that will sift through local requests for a piece of the pie.
     
     Last year's EFSP grant, plus a stimulus-funded supplement, came to “about the same” as this year's award, said Gray, Monday. EFSP money helped 15 organizations in 2009, he said.
     
     The grant is based on a formula that takes into account local unemployment rates — currently 11 percent in Oxford County.
     
     “Of course, we hardly ever have enough [grant money],” said Gray. “We always have organizations, like food pantries, that could easily use more if we had it to give.”
     
     Gray said the United Way will begin taking applications “in the next couple of weeks.” Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a volunteer board of directors is eligible to apply if it's based in Oxford County and its mission is to provide food and shelter services.
     
     Groups interested in obtaining an application should contact Gray at 743-5833.