Richmond County has been chosen to receive $45,241 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county, said Michelle Parrish, executive director of the United Way.

Richmond County in the past has distributed such funds through New Horizons Life and Family Services, Samaritan Colony, Richmond County Mental Health Society, Our Daily Bread, Southern Mission Ministries and Helping Hands of Hamlet-Back Pack Pals.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for these funds must contact Parrish, who is chairman of the Emergency Food and Shelter Board locally, at 997-2173 or by writing to her at P.O. Box 153, Rockingham, NC 28380.

The deadline for applying is Feb. 24.

The local board is charged with distributing funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the county.

Richmond County was selected by a National Board chaired by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Other National Board representatives are from the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of Churches of Christ, USA; The Salvation Army, United Jewish Communities and United Way of America.

Parrish’s board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.

Agencies qualifying must:

n Be private voluntary nonprofits or units of government.

n Have an accounting system.

n Practice nondiscrimination.

n Have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs.

n If they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board.