The Local Board for Carbon County would like to make known that funds for Carbon County agencies are now available. These funds can be used for food pantries, mass shelter, rental and utility assistance. Interested agencies can visit

www.efsp.unitedway.org to learn more about this grant.This year, the board did not qualify for EFSP (Emergency Food and Shelter Program) funds from the National Board. The national formula was changed and the unemployment rate set by the National Board was 11.5 percent. the rate of unemployment was only 9.3 percent for Carbon County.Last year, this Local Board received $46,033. From State Set-Aside funds, Carbon County will only receive $6,076. This is a decline of $39,957.Please send your request for funds by Oct. 7, to: Stanley P. Haupt, contact person for the Local Board of Shepherd House, Inc., 1067 Main Road, Lehighton, PA 18235-9066.The Shepherd House telephone number is (610) 377-6048 and its fax is (610) 379-5675. Or, contact Shepherd House by email at

bookworm@ptd.net.