Ninth District Opportunity in Gainesville has been awarded federal stimulus funds worth $54,017 to help provide emergency food and shelter in Hall County.

A board of community leaders will be chosen to determine how funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will be distributed to local service agencies.

Under terms from the National Board, agencies eligible for funds must be private voluntary nonprofits or units of government; eligible for federal funds; have an accounting system; practice nondiscrimination; demonstrate the capability to deliver emergency food or shelter programs; and, if a private voluntary organization, must have a voluntary board.

Qualifying agencies are urged to apply by contacting Brenda Dalin at Ninth District Opportunity, Inc, P.O. Drawer L, Gainesville, GA 30503 for an application. The deadline is May 15.

Ninth District Opportunity, Inc. has distributed food and shelter funds with South Hall Food Pantry, My Sister’s Place and Gainesville City Baptist Rescue Mission. Those agencies have provided 1,600 meals and 160 nights of lodging.