Federal Funding Released for Emergency Food and Shelter Organizations in Stone County
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May 24, 2018
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Stone County Neighborhood Center Supervisor Shyra Bilyeu wants everyone to know that OACAC is here to help, even when they are facing a crisis.
Isaac Estes-Jones
Stone County OACAC is leading a local board to distribute over $16,000 in funding to non-profit organizations that provide emergency food and shelter programs. Stone County Neighborhood Center Supervisor Shyra Bilyeu said, “We are hoping to distribute the funds in equal amounts to those that apply this year.”
Stone County recently received $16,413 from the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA for emergency food and shelter programs in the county. The funds will be distributed by a local board made up of members of Stone County OACAC, the Stone County Commission, United Way, Salvation Army - Tri-Lakes, Stone County Health Department, Christian Associates, Central Community United Methodist Church, Love, INC, Morning Star Church and the North Stone Food Pantry.
“This is actually round 35,” Bilyeu said, adding “I’m not sure how many rounds there will be. Last year most of the money went to flooding victims, people that just couldn’t build back up after the floods.”
Any non-profit can apply for the funds this year. Under the terms of the grant from the Federal Government, local agencies chosen to receive funds must be private non-profits or units of government, be eligible to receive Federal funds, have an accounting system, have a board if a private organization, and have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs. “We have three applications so far,” Bilyeu said. “Any non-profit can apply as long as they serve Stone County with the funding.”
Organizations have until May 31 to apply. Contact Shyra Bilyeu at Stone County OACAC for an application at (417) 739-1130.
On top of distributing these Federal funds, OACAC has several programs that seek to help people in Stone County in need.
“The poverty level is the biggest challenge. There’s no transportation, there’s no housing. That’s what we’re dealing with,” Bilyeu said.
OACAC has programs that provide rental assistance and the LIHEAP energy assistance program, which helps with utility bills. They also provide some medical and dental assistance, help with car repair, and have a large senior fund dedicated exclusively to helping seniors.
“We do outreach, go to community fairs and other events,” Bilyeu said, “We are trying to get the community to come in, recognize our faces and know we aren’t here to judge. We just want to help.”
OACAC also puts on two programs in schools that help elementary children see various career paths and older kids learn about life lessons.
The public is invited to an open house at the Neighborhood Center in Branson West this Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. There will be food, games, and more information about what OACAC is and their programs. “We are planning to have the food ready around 3,” Bilyeu said. The Center is located at 15060 Business Highway 13 Suite 11 in Branson West.
The Stone County Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation has a mission to enrich the lives of families and individuals within our communities by providing opportunities, offering assistance and empowering people to make positive change.
Stone County OACAC also has a head start in Reeds Spring.
For more information, stop by the office or call (417) 739-1130.
Stone County OACAC is leading a local board to distribute over $16,000 in funding to non-profit organizations that provide emergency food and shelter programs. Stone County Neighborhood Center Supervisor Shyra Bilyeu said, “We are hoping to distribute the funds in equal amounts to those that apply this year.”
Stone County recently received $16,413 from the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA for emergency food and shelter programs in the county. The funds will be distributed by a local board made up of members of Stone County OACAC, the Stone County Commission, United Way, Salvation Army - Tri-Lakes, Stone County Health Department, Christian Associates, Central Community United Methodist Church, Love, INC, Morning Star Church and the North Stone Food Pantry.
“This is actually round 35,” Bilyeu said, adding “I’m not sure how many rounds there will be. Last year most of the money went to flooding victims, people that just couldn’t build back up after the floods.”
Any non-profit can apply for the funds this year. Under the terms of the grant from the Federal Government, local agencies chosen to receive funds must be private non-profits or units of government, be eligible to receive Federal funds, have an accounting system, have a board if a private organization, and have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs. “We have three applications so far,” Bilyeu said. “Any non-profit can apply as long as they serve Stone County with the funding.”
Organizations have until May 31 to apply. Contact Shyra Bilyeu at Stone County OACAC for an application at (417) 739-1130.
On top of distributing these Federal funds, OACAC has several programs that seek to help people in Stone County in need.
“The poverty level is the biggest challenge. There’s no transportation, there’s no housing. That’s what we’re dealing with,” Bilyeu said.
OACAC has programs that provide rental assistance and the LIHEAP energy assistance program, which helps with utility bills. They also provide some medical and dental assistance, help with car repair, and have a large senior fund dedicated exclusively to helping seniors.
“We do outreach, go to community fairs and other events,” Bilyeu said, “We are trying to get the community to come in, recognize our faces and know we aren’t here to judge. We just want to help.”
OACAC also puts on two programs in schools that help elementary children see various career paths and older kids learn about life lessons.
The public is invited to an open house at the Neighborhood Center in Branson West this Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. There will be food, games, and more information about what OACAC is and their programs. “We are planning to have the food ready around 3,” Bilyeu said. The Center is located at 15060 Business Highway 13 Suite 11 in Branson West.
The Stone County Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation has a mission to enrich the lives of families and individuals within our communities by providing opportunities, offering assistance and empowering people to make positive change.
Stone County OACAC also has a head start in Reeds Spring.
For more information, stop by the office or call (417) 739-1130.