Benefits Fair to be held Feb. 18

The Vernon County jurisdiction of the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program has been chosen to receive $9,836 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs to Vernon County. The award is based upon each jurisdiction's rate of unemployment from the United States Department of labor for the most current 12-month period of poverty statistics from census.

The selection was made by a National Board made up of affiliates of national voluntary organizations and chaired by Federal Emergency Management Agency. The National Board has selected United Way of America as the Secretariat and fiscal agent to perform the necessary administrative duties of the Board. The Board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs.

A local board made up of representatives from the area will determine how the funds will be awarded among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local recipient organizations. The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must:

* Be not for profit with a voluntary board

* Have a checking account

* Have an accounting system

* Have a Federal Employer Identification Number

* Practice nondiscrimination

* Have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs.

Qualifying organizations are urged to apply in writing by Feb. 19. Applications need to be mailed to West Central Missouri Community Action Agency, P.O. Box 125, Appleton City, MO 64724, c/o Peggy Kalberloh.

Further information of the program may be obtained by contacting Peggy Kalberloh, West Central Community Action Agency, P.O. Box 125, Appleton City, MO 64724, phone (660) 476-2185 and fax (660) 476-5661.