Grayson County has been awarded $26,932 in federal funds to be used to supplement food and temporary lodging for residents in need.

Public or private organizations interested in applying for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must visit the Community Action of Central Kentucky’s Leitchfield office, located on Market Street, for an application.

According to Community Services Coordinator Rhoda Hazelwood, $2,500 has already been designated to the Grayson County Alliance’s Food Pantry. That will provide about two months of food for needs-based families. Food will be purchased through America’s Second Harvest.

“The rest of the funding will be allotted between utilities and rent and mortgages,” explained Hazelwood. “The reason more was allotted for this is because a lot of people have lost their homes and jobs in the area.”

The Community Action office will receive half of the funds in about a month, and the remaining dollars halfway through the program.

“We get half of the funds at a time,” said Hazelwood. “It could take up to a month. Half way through this program the local board (which decides how the money will be distributed) will convene again and look at the needs for the area, distribute money accordingly, and make any necessary changes.”

Community Services Director Lynn Robey explained the federal dollars, given to each county, are based on two things, unemployment levels and census numbers.

Robey said there are several programs offered through Community Action that helps out Grayson County families.

Since the first of November, the heating assistance program alone has completed 2,570 applications, helped 1,519 families and provided $458,603.

A National Board, chaired by FEMA, made the selection for the Emergency Food and Shelter dollars. The board consisted of representatives from the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Council of Jewish Federations, Catholic Charities USA, and United Way of America.

The purpose of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program is to expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the county.

For more information on this program Hazelwood can be contacted by phone at 270-259-3500.