St. Croix County and Pierce County have been awarded federal funds from the Department of Homeland Security under Phase 40 of the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program. St. Croix County has been awarded $11,994 and Pierce County has been awarded $8,996 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the area.  

The selection was made by a national board that is chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and consists of representatives from the American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; United Jewish Communities; National Council of Churches of Christ; The Salvation Army; and United Way Worldwide. The board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs around the country.  

A local board for each county, chaired by Steve McCarthy, Executive Director of United Way St. Croix Valley, will meet to determine how the funds will be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs operated by local service organizations. The St. Croix County and Pierce County meeting will take place via Zoom on a to be determined date between May 15-19. 

Under the terms of the grant from the national board, the local governmental or voluntary organizations chosen to receive funds must:

1. Be private voluntary non-profits or units of government
2. Be eligible to receive federal funds
3. Have an accounting system
4. Practice nondiscrimination
5. Have demonstrated the capacity to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs
6. If they are a private voluntary organization, have a volunteer board.  

Informal organizations such as food pantries that do not meet these requirements may apply by using a fiscal agent. Qualifying organizations are urged to apply. 

New public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Hannah Fenstermacher at 715-377-0203 ext. 108 or Hannah.fenstermacher@unitedwaystcroix.org. Past recipients will be contacted. The deadline for applications to be received is May 10, 2023. 

Submitted by United Way St. Croix Valley