United Way of Southwest Michigan has been awarded $70,664 in Federal Dollars to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in Berrien County.  ARRA Application

These dollars are through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and is above and beyond the funds already awarded under Phase 27 of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP).   The ARRA dollars are to be used to support programs that have the capacity to identify, serve and track individuals that have recently become unemployed.  

Demographic information such as gender, age, zip code must also be tracked as well.  An organization that is currently receiving EFSP  through Phase 27 will be required to  maintaining documentation and track data for the two revenue streams separately.

A Local Board made up of The Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Council of Jewish Federations, Catholic Charities, National Council of Churches of Christ, private individuals and United Way will determine how the funds awarded to Berrien County are to be distributed.  .   

Under the terms of the federal guidelines organizations applying for funding must: Be a non-profit organization; have a formal accounting system and conduct an annual audit; practice nondiscrimination; have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food, emergency financial assistance and/or shelter programs; maintain a minimum number of weekly hours with a staff person or a volunteer; have a voluntary Board if a private voluntary organization;  use funds on an ongoing basis to supplement and extend food and shelter services, not as substitute for other program funds or to start a new program;  maintain detailed records and documentation of program expenses if awarded an allocation; and be able to certify that they are not debarred or suspended from receiving Federal funds.  Also, it is preferable that applying organizations have an automated tracking system to monitor client use.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for ARRA Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds can get an application at www.uwsm.org.  If you have questions visit www.efsp.unitedway.org or contact Olivia Megna at olivia.megna@uwsm.org or (269) 925-7772, extension 27. 

This funding process has a stringent timeline which can not be altered.

ARRA requests due by noon on May 11, 2009 The applications are due  by mail  to  United Way of Southwest Michigan; PO Box 807, Benton Harbor, MI 49023-0807 by noon on Monday, May 11th.

About United Way: United Way is a global network that advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. The United Way movement creates long lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of problems that prevent progress in these areas. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change. For more information about United Way, please visit www.uwsm.org or www.liveunited.org.