Adams County emergency food, shelter funds available

OTHELLO – The Adams County Emergency Food and Shelter Board is taking applications for emergency funding for 2017.

According to ACEFSB Chairman Dave Anderson, the county has received $10,399 from the federal government. That amount is higher than last year’s but less than the high point in previous years.

The ACEFSB is responsible for directing the funds to service agencies in an equitable fashion. Any agency that provides assistance to the elderly, families with children, Native Americans and so on is eligible to apply.

In the past, Anderson said, the funds have been passed on to New Hope Domestic Violence, the Ritzville Food Pantry, the Othello Food Bank and the Salvation Army.

New Hope is headquartered in Moses Lake but also serves Adams County. It provides emergency housing and food in domestic cases.

The funds that have gone to the Salvation Army have been used to help struggling families pay mounting past-due utility bills.

The ACEFSB is only the conduit through which theses agencies have received these funds. It does not provide emergency services.

The agencies chosen for the grants receive half of the grants up front. The second half is delivered after the agencies send the ACEFSB a report certifying that the funds were spent appropriately.

The deadline for submitting applications is Oct. 24. You may call Anderson at 488-0979 to ask questions or indicate your interest.