Rock Island Today

More than a dozen organizations that help people in need of food, shelter, and rental assistance in Scott and Rock Island counties are getting some financial help.

Fourteen nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and government agencies are set to receive a combined $149,107 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Emergency Food and Shelter Program. Approximately $75,000 was set aside for organizations in Rock Island County, while those in Scott County were allocated $74,231. The United Way Quad Cities reviewed the applications for the program prior to awarding the grant money.

Rene Gellerman, president and CEO of the United Way Quad Cities, said the organization continues to help nonprofits reach families' "emerging needs" and the challenges they're dealing with as the nation approaches one full year of living during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"With so many of our neighbors coping with hardship, loss of income and health issues — through no fault of their own — we as a community should remain focused on solutions and hopeful for the future," Gellerman told WHFB. "While the impact of the coronavirus pandemic is a once-in-a-generation economic and health crisis, it is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to retool solutions to problems we've put off for too long."

The list of organizations that received grant funding through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program include All Saints Church, Christ UMC-EM, Christian Care, Friendly House, Humility Homes, Moline Township, New Choices — One Foundations, Pearl's Mission — Tamara Thomas, QC Haven of Hope, SAL Open Door, Salvation Army, World Relief, Youth Hope, and the YWCA. Out of those awarded money through the grant program, the Salvation Army received the most, with $41,563 going to their efforts in helping those in need.

Representatives from nine different agencies, including the United Way, American Red Cross, and Diocese of Davenport, make up the board tasked with making decisions about the grant awards.