United Way distributing $361,342 for emergency food and shelter
The United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades has announced that 17 agencies in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties will receive $361,342 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs.
The United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades manages the program and coordinates the distribution of the funds. A local board is charged with allocating the funds appropriated by Congress to expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas. The local Board determines how the funds awarded to this area are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local human service agencies in the area. Some of the local agencies have already received their funds.
Cliff Smith, President of the United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades stated, “The emergency food and shelter funds are being put to work where they are needed the most, and the administrative costs of getting the funds to agencies that actually provide emergency food and shelter is only 2% of the total received.
“These funds come to us at a time when the number of local citizens needing services has substantially increased because of high unemployment and serious economic problems in our community. The funds will help feed hungry people, fill food pantries, and provide shelter to the men, women, and children who are hurting the most,” Smith continued.
The agencies that have received, or will receive assistance include the following:
ACT (Abuse Counseling & Treatment) – $3,996
Amigos Center – $4,662
Bonita Springs Assistance – $13,321
CCMI (Community Cooperative Ministries) – $33,304
Cape Coral Caring Center – $11,989
F.I.S.H. of Pine Island – $4,662
F.I.S.H. of Sanibel – $8,692
Harry Chapin Food Bank – $128,480
Hendry County S.H.I.P. – $6,699
Glades County S.H.I.P. – $1,973
Hope Health Care/Hope Connections – $2,500
Interfaith Caregivers of South Lee – $7,327
Lee County Human Services – $66,606
Lee Mental Health Center – $ 11,989
Lehigh Community Services – $21,583
Nations Association – $3,996
The Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry, and Glades $40,560
The United Way and its network of 70 partner agencies serve a diverse range of needs in our community such as nurturing children and youth, strengthening families, meeting critical needs such as helping the elderly and disabled live independently, and empowering communities by bringing health and human services to neighborhoods
The United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades has been “the way the community cares” since it was established in 1957. For more information please call United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades at (239) 433-2000 or visit www.unitedwaylee.org.