Ventura County agencies can apply for funds to provide for emergency needs through the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program, a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency that supplements and expands ongoing efforts to provide shelter, food and supportive services for the nation’s hungry, homeless and people in economic crisis.

The funding for last year in Ventura County was $642,977, and it is anticipated that funding for 2010 will be a similar amount. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

The funds are intended to expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around Ventura County.

The local agencies selected to receive funds must be private, voluntary nonprofits or units of government; have an accounting system; practice nondiscrimination; have demonstrated the capability to deliver rental assistance/ eviction prevention assistance or emergency food and/or shelter program assistance; and have a voluntary board if a private voluntary organization.

To obtain an application, call Nancy Older at United Way of Ventura County, (805) 485-6288, ext. 227.

Completed applications are due in the United Way office by 3 p.m. Wed., Jan. 6. Final allocations will be determined by the end of January.