Cass County has been awarded $20,619 in Federal Dollars to supplement emergency food and shelter programs.

These dollars are through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) are to be used to support programs that have the capacity to identify, serve, and track individuals that have recently become unemployed.

Under the terms of the federal guidelines organizations applying for funding must: Be a non-profit organization; have a formal accounting system and conduct an annual audit; practice nondiscrimination; have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food, emergency financial assistance and/or shelter programs; maintain a minimum number of weekly hours with a staff person or a volunteer; and have a voluntary Board if a private voluntary organization.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for ARRA Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds can get an application by contacting Capt. Bill Waters, The Salvation Army P.O. Box 1150 Niles, MI 49120.

ARRA requests are due by mail to Salvation Army no later than Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009 by noon; P.O. Box 1150 Niles, MI 49120 or 269-684-2660.