Whitfield County will receive $72,425 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

The selection was made by a national board chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and consisting of representatives from the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, United Jewish Communities, Catholic Charities USA, National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA and United Way of America. Local boards distribute the funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas.

The local board here includes representatives from the city and county. It will determine how the funds awarded to Whitfield County will be distributed among emergency food and shelter programs run by local service organizations.

Local groups chosen to receive funds must be private voluntary nonprofits or units of government, have an accounting system, practice nondiscrimination, have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and — if they are a private voluntary organization — have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Last year, Whitfield County distributed $48,964 to the Dalton Organizations of Churches United for People (DOC-UP), the Salvation Army, Harbor House, Oak Haven, Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center and the Dalton-Whitfield Community Development Corp. These agencies provided homeless shelter and help with utilities, rent and food.

Agencies interested in applying for the funds must write Margaret Zeisig, Director of Community Solutions, United Way of Northwest Georgia, P.O. Box 566, Dalton, GA 30720-0566; call (706) 876-1599; fax (706) 226-1029; or e-mail mzeisig@whitfieldcountyga.com. The deadline for proposals is 5 p.m. on Jan. 21.