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WAPELLO COUNTY, IOWA -- Some Wapello County food pantries and shelters may receive additional funds.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has allocated $14,284 to Wapello County to be used for emergency food and shelter programs.

The United Way is working with other local organizations and the mayor to decide who will get funding. She says a high priority will be placed on organizations that provide clients with propane and mortgage payment assistance and that those applying for funding have to fall under narrow guidelines.

"Funding has to be very specific to rent, mortgage, utility systems, emergency food, and or shelter programs. It has to be an existing program, but funding is actually designed to supplement and expand their existing capacity. "

According to a United Way press release, local agencies chosen to receive funds must; 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) have an accounting system, 3) practice nondiscrimination, 4) have the demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 5) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board.

The additional funding came later than usual this year due to the budget crisis in Washington and and the funding is also 40 percent less than last year's funding. Unlike many other counties who didn't receive funding, Johnson says Wapello County was awarded the supplemental funds because of its high poverty level and high unemployment numbers.

"There are more and more people that are needing assistance in our community," said Johnson. "So, the $14,000, even though it was a reduction from last year, it 's still very valued here in our community; we'll be able to help more people than we would've been able to if we didn't receive the funding."

In the past, the funding was awarded to the Salvation Army, the Crisis Center and the Food Bank of Southern Iowa.

Applications are being accepted until noon, Wednesday, August 31st. For more information and an application, contact Desiree Johnson at United Way of Wapello County at (641) 682-1264 or email her at uwwc@wapellocouw.org.