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Hernando Today

FEMA Gives $117,000 To Local Shelters

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By TONY HOLT

Hernando Today

Published: February 11, 2009

SPRING HILL - Local shelters and pantries can stock up on groceries now that the federal government is dishing out five times more money this year.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has agreed to dole out $117,742 to supplement local emergency, food and shelter programs in Hernando County.

The county's high unemployment rate (10.9 percent for December 2008) was a major reason for the large payoff. In years past, the federal government usually distributed about $25,000 to Hernando, said Kathy Jones, executive director of the United Way of Hernando County.

"It's a pretty good indication of what our unemployment is like," she said.

The selection was made by a national board chaired by FEMA and consisted of representatives from a variety of charities - including the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the United Way of America.

A local board was charged to distribute funds by Congress "to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas" around the country, according to a media release.

Among those on the local board was Debbie Andrews, of the Dawn Center.

"It's a good feeling to get this," she said. "We can keep the freezers full and stockpile for our outreach families."

The Dawn Center is a local women's shelter for victims of domestic and sexual violence.

The money, Jones said, cannot be used as "seed money." To be eligible for the funding, an agency must be in existence for at least a year.

Public or private agencies looking to apply for a share of the funds must pick up an application at the United Way office or e-mail a request to uwhernando@tampabay.rr.com.

The office is located at 4042 Commercial Way.

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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