Chautauqua County has been chosen to receive $56,199 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs throughout the county.

The award was made by the Emergency Food & Shelter Program’s National Board that is chaired by FEMA and consists of representatives from the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, National Council of the Churches of Christ USA, The Salvation Army, United Jewish Communities and United Way Worldwide.

Locally, the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County leads the Emergency Food and Shelter Program and is responsible for distributing these awards. The purpose of these dollars is to expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas.

“Any organization that operates in our county is eligible and they can contact United Way to better understand how the program works,” said Amy Rohler, executive director. “These are federal grant dollars so there are some reporting requirements to consider before applying. However, it is our goal to see that they are distributed equitably across the entire county.”

Members of the local EFSP board include the American Red Cross, Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc., Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services, Dunkirk/Fredonia and Jamestown Meals on Wheels, FeedMore WNY, Pathstone, The Salvation Army of Dunkirk and Jamestown, the YWCA of Jamestown and the United Ways of Northern and Southern Chautauqua County.

Applications are due Friday, Jan. 8. Those interested should contact the United Way immediately for the application instructions at 483-1561.