Murray County and Whitfield County are receiving federal funding via the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency to supplement programs in both communities.
Whitfield is expected to receive $38,511 in phase 41 funding under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program while Murray is expected to receive $14,483.
“The local boards in Whitfield and Murray counties historically focus on preventing homelessness so the emphasis of the funding has been on rent/mortgage assistance and utility assistance,” said Margaret Zeisig, United Way of Northwest Georgia director of Community Solutions. “In both counties some funding was used for sheltering domestic violence victims and teen moms as well as food at various food pantries.”
She said the local board will meet with prospective agencies and make a determination on awards on April 26.
“The information is sent to the National Board of Emergency Food and Shelter and they will provide the funding directly to the agencies,” Zeisig continued.
Previously, Murray County has distributed funds to organizations such as the Salvation Army and the Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center. Among other agencies and organizations, Whitfield County has previously distributed funds to City of Refuge Dalton, Dalton’s Greater Works, Dalton Organization of Churches United for People, Oak Haven, Providence Ministries and Varnell UMC for various programs.
“Our United Way provides the 211 call service as well as the community resource guide for Whitfield and Murray counties,” Zeisig said. “Our top three requests, in order, are housing assistance, utility assistance and food.”
Public and/or private voluntary agencies can apply for funding by contacting Zeisig at margaret.zeisig@ourunitedway.org or (706) 529-1599.
The deadline for completed email applications is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23.