Bladen County has been awarded federal money made available through the Department of Homeland Security / Federal Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program to supplement and expand emergency programs in the county.

The EFSP was created in 1983 to supplement and expand the work of local social service agencies to help people with economic emergencies. Bladen County has been awarded $20,494. The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board.

Qualifying agencies are urged to apply. Bladen County has distributed EFSP funds previously with East Arcadia Senior Citizen Center and Bladen Crisis Assistance, Inc participating. These agencies were responsible for providing meals and lodging. Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for EFSP funds must contact:

Raven Webb, Education Outreach Specialist, Families First, PO Box 1776, Whiteville NC 28472, Email: rwebb715@gmail.com.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday , May 16.