LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i United Way (KUW) announced on Tuesday that it has once again secured federal funds for emergency food and shelter for Kaua‘i.
“However, we are under federal mandate to go through the proper process to release this money, quickly,” said the KUW, through its executive director Lori Almarza. “Without Kaua‘i United Way to apply for, and administer the money, this money would not have been available for those in need on Kaua‘i.”
The federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program is designed to provide food, rent, utility and other assistance to people in need. Funding is distributed on a formula that measures relative poverty conditions across the nation.
Kaua‘i will receive $35,000 through Phase 41 as a result of KUW writing a proposal requesting that a portion of discretionary funds be directed to Kaua‘i to address the hardships facing many of its residents.
These funds need to be used by Dec. 31, 2024. A special board will be convened by KUW to distribute this money to qualifying Kaua‘i social service organizations.
The special allocations board will consider applications from last year’s recipient organizations, and will consider other organizations. Kaua‘i organizations that currently provide emergency food and/or shelter services and meet the following criteria may apply for a portion of this funding.
Qualifying organizations must:
• Have certified nonprofit status.
• Use funds to supplement and extending existing resources.
• Have a Federal Employer Identification number.
• Practice non-discrimination.
• Comply with all local and federal reporting requirements.
• Provide complete documentation for all expenditures.
Organizations meeting the criteria must submit one hard copy of their proposal of two pages, or less, certifying compliance with the above-mentioned conditions as well as describing their organization, the project to be considered, the need for this project, the amount of money requested and the number of peoples to be served.
Email a copy to Lori Almarza at lori@kauaiunitedway.org.
For more detailed instructions, call 808-245-2043. Applications must be received at the Kaua‘i United Way office no later than noon on April 19, 2024.
The short response time is in accordance with federal regulation.
