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WILKES-BARRE — Eight local programs that serve at-risk individuals and families will receive needed funding through the Luzerne County board for the national Emergency Food and Shelter Program.
Food pantries, homeless shelters for men and women, and eviction prevention programs are among the areas of need being addressed by the grants — totaling $182,811 — that were approved at the board’s June 7 meeting.
United Way of Wyoming Valley convenes the local board which is comprised of 20 volunteers dedicated to reviewing applications and recommending funding allocations to eligible organizations, as specified under national guidelines.
Local board members are representatives of constituencies and organizations as required by the national program, including Catholic Social Services, the Jewish Community Alliance, United Way of Wyoming Valley, the Salvation Army, the Northeastern Pennsylvania American Red Cross, faith-based organizations and other non-profits, businesses, and educators.
The local board was notified in March that it received $182,811 to distribute, and it placed a public notice in the media inviting any 501(c)(3) agencies to apply for funding.
“In these challenging economic times when there is such a great need for services and so much uncertainty surrounding available resources, the continued EFSP funds are a welcome and much-needed support to our community,” said Jennifer Deemer, EFSP local board chair.
Grantees include:
• Catholic Social Services, Hazleton, $26,265
• Commission on Economic Opportunity, Hazleton, $27,481
• Catholic Social Services, Wyoming Valley, $42,607
• Commission on Economic Opportunity, Wyoming Valley, $55,018
• Volunteers of America Ruth’s Place, $22,783
• United Way of Wyoming Valley, $3,656
• The Salvation Army, $2,500
• Jewish Community Alliance, $2,500