Coffee County was awarded $33,769 under Phases 39 & 40 of the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP) and $49,953 through EFSP ARPAR to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. EFSP Phase 39, 40, & ARPAR funding is for the period of November 1, 2021 – December 31, 2024.
The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from the American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Jewish Federations of North America, The Salvation Army; and, United Way Worldwide. The Local Board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.
The Local Board, made up of representatives from the local government, The Salvation Army, United Way of Highway 55, church organizations, homeless shelter program, and others, determined how the funds were awarded to Coffee County. The Local Board was responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under this phase of the program. Thank you to Ashley Abraham, Joyce Prusak, Bertha Smith, Tom Murdock, Sue Larmoyeux, Amanda Eddleman, Ashley Franklin, Michele Simmons, Pam Bussell, Scott Roberts, and Alderman Derick Mann for serving on the Board.
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) have an accounting system, 3) practice nondiscrimination, 4) must not charge a fee for service 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, may not require religious/counseling services, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.
The EFSP was authorized under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (P.L. 100-77 signed into law on July 24, 1987, since renamed the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and subsequently reauthorized under P.L. 100-628, signed into law on November 7, 1988). Since 1983, in its 39-year history, the EFSP has distributed over $5.67 billion to over 14,000 human service agencies in more than 2,500 communities across the country through this collaborative effort between the private and public sectors.
The local Board chose Catholic Charities to receive the $82,048 in Federal funds to use towards rental/mortgage assistance. The Board then approved the 2% administrative fee to United Way of Hwy 55 that totaled $1,674.
About Catholic Charities of Coffee Co
Catholic Charities was founded in 1962 and first began resettling refugee children from Cuba. Adoption services were added in 1968, and programs have steadily expanded since that time to include therapeutic counseling, disaster relief, emergency basic needs assistance, hunger relief services, and refugee and immigration services. Today, Catholic Charities is well known and respected within the social service nonprofit community, especially for expert case management and counseling. As a pre-eminent program in the region with a broad, deep, and long history, we continue to grow into a leadership and advocacy role while continuing to do direct service. We are maturing as a primary voice at the table in establishing public policy for Middle Tennessee and the state. A primary focus is on self-reliance for clients and collaboration with community partners, including local and state governments.
Amanda Eddleman, MSW, is the Program Coordinator for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville’s Family Resource Center in Coffee County. This Family Resource Center is home to the many services and collaborative partnerships Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville has established to serve Coffee County and the surrounding communities of southern Middle Tennessee. Catholic Charities also has Family Resource Centers in Maury and Montgomery counties, in addition to two in Nashville.
Catholic Charities of Coffee County offers many services. Some of the popular services include housing assistance (rent/mortgage/utilities), meals, medical care and insurance, job training and placement, and counseling for individuals and families. The Federal Grant will be specifically used for rent and mortgage assistance.
Catholic Charities of Coffee Co. is looking for volunteers to serve in a variety of roles. To learn more about Catholic Charities services and resources contact (931) 563-7770 or email aeddleman@cctenn.org. You can visit the Catholic Charities of Coffee Co office between 8:00 am-4:30pm on weekdays at 103 S.E. Atlantic St, Tullahoma, TN.
Catholic Charities of Middle TN – Coffee County
103 S.E. Atlantic Street
Tullahoma, TN 37388
(931) 563-7770
About United Way
United Way advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. United Way focuses on education, income, basic essentials, and health– the building blocks for a good quality of life. United Way recruits people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise, and resources needed to get things done through giving, advocating, and volunteering.
United Way of Highway 55’s Mission Statement
The United Way of Highway 55 serves the citizens of Coffee, Moore, and Warren Counties by advancing opportunities in education, health, basic essentials, and financial stability.
Contact
The United Way of Hwy 55 is located at 101 West Lincoln St, Tullahoma. For more information, please call 931-455-5678 or email Director@highway55unitedway.org.
