Sen. Jeff Merkley, left, talks with former Umatilla County Commissioner George Murdock on June 17, 2022, at the CAPECO food warehouse in Pendleton. The United Way of the Blue Mountains is accepting applications from organizations in Umatilla County for grants to provide emergency food and shelter. The deadline to apply is 3 p.m. on Feb. 14, 2025.

UMATILLA COUNTY — The United Way of the Blue Mountains was selected to receive $29,460 through the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program.

According to a press release, the federal funding will be distributed to nonprofit organizations or government agencies in Umatilla County. The Local EFSP Board will award the funds to supplement programs that provide emergency food and shelter.

The grant program requires that organizations must be eligible to receive federal funds, have an accounting system, practice nondiscrimination and have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or provide shelter. In addition, nonprofit organizations must have a voluntary board of directors.

For more information or to apply, visit www.uwbluemt.org/EFSP. The application must be submitted online by 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14. For questions, contact 509-529-1183 or christy@unitedwayww.org.