By Allyson Dix
For Glasgow News 1
Federal funds are soon expected to arrive in Barren County to assist community members with emergency food and shelter needs.
At the Sept. 1 fiscal court meeting, Barren County Judge-Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd announced a slate of new appointments to the Barren County Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSB) board, which will oversee the distribution of the funds.
Byrd said the appointments restart the already established local board for local EFSB funds.
Those members include: Hannah Gray, Corey Jackson, Libby Short, Sandy Hagens, Nicole Houchens, Lisa Whitney, Stacy Janes, Sheri Lee, and Susan Powell.
The FEMA-funded program was originally established by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 to expand on the work of local nonprofit and government social service organizations that provide shelter, food, and other supportive services to the community.
Grant decisions are made by the national EFSP board comprised of representatives from a variety of agencies, including FEMA, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, United Way, and national faith-based organizations.
Barren County has received ongoing EFSP funds each year dating back to at least 1991, according to United Way. Funding amounts have varied over the last 35 years, ranging between approximately $12,000 and $40,000 annually.
Grants are awarded to qualifying local governments and agencies, with funding allocations based on several factors, including unemployment rates and population.
Funds are distributed in phases and Barren County anticipates two separate phases of funding totaling almost $29,000.
Historically, the Barren County Emergency Food and Shelter Program board has distributed these funds to various nonprofit organizations, including Community Action of Southern Kentucky, the Community Relief Fund for Glasgow and Barren County, and Barren River Area Safe Space, among other agencies.
According to United Way, FEMA allocated $123.5 million to the national program in the 2026 Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act.
Key Facts
– Barren County will receive nearly $29,000 in federal funds
– Judge-Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd announced new EFSB board appointments
– The EFSP was established by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
– Barren County has received EFSP funds annually since 1991
– Funding amounts have ranged between $12,000 and $40,000
– FEMA allocated $123.5 million to the national program in 2026
