LOS ANGELES COUNTY : Grants Available for Groups Aiding Homeless, Hungry

In the face of increasing homelessness and hunger in Los Angeles County, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program Local Board, sponsored by United Way of Greater Los Angeles, Thursday announced the availability of grants for nonprofit organizations providing food or shelter for the homeless and hungry.

Each year, Congress makes these funds available through the Stuart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. The funds are distributed nationwide through the National Board of United Way of America, chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and then distributed locally.

This year, more than $6 million has been distributed locally to provide meals and shelter to the needy, said Herbert Carter, president of United Way of Greater Los Angeles.

Organizations eligible for the federal funds must submit applications by Sept. 7. Applications may be obtained by calling (213) 736-1349 or by writing the Los Angeles Food and Shelter Local Board at 621 S. Virgil Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90005.