Agencies can apply for emergency food, shelter funds through United Way

United Way of Eastern La Salle County will administer $57,979 in federal funds to La Salle County nonprofit, faith-based and government agencies that provide food and shelter emergency services. The funds are available under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program for 2021 and will be distributed through a competitive application process, according to a United Way news release issued Tuesday.

Agencies applying for funds must use them to supplement existing food and shelter programs; the dollars cannot be used as seed money for new programs. Participating organizations must provide aide within the intent and specified timeline of the program and provide expense reports and required documentation showing how the funds are spent. The spending period extends through May 31.

Applications are due to United Way of Eastern La Salle County no later than noon on Jan. 5.

Organizations that apply must meet the following critieria:

• Eligible to receive federal funds

• Have a valid Federal Employer Identification Number

• Have a Data Universal Numbering Systems identification number

• Have an acceptable accounting system in place

• Conduct an annual independent audit or financial review

• Governed by a volunteer board of directors (nonprofits only)

• Provide services guided by a non-discriminatory policy

La Salle County funding awards will be determined by a local board of representatives from the Illinois Department of Human Services, DHS-Rehabilitation Services, Illinois Valley Community College, United Way (Eastern La Salle County and Streator chapters), The Center for Youth and Family Solutions, Salvation Army/Streator, Housing Authority of La Salle County and The Red Cross of Illinois River Valley.

The board’s past funding priority has been rent assistance, with smaller amounts directed toward diapers, utilities and temporary hotel/motel stays.

To request an application, contact Shelli Ocepek of United Way of Eastern La Salle County at 815-434-4003 or unitedwayelc@sbcglobal.net.

The Federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program was appropriated $125 million in supplemental funds by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Included with the $125 million is $15 million in unused funds from previous years, bringing the total allocation to $140 million. The program supplements and expands the ongoing work of local social service providers to offer additional shelter, food and support to individuals and families who are hungry, homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and in economic crisis.

Jurisdictions that qualified for funding were selected based on unemployment rates and number of individuals living below the poverty level compared to other Illinois geographic areas.