This coalition was initially formed:
in response to a funding requirement or opportunity

Mission/Purpose
To work together to assist residents in need of emergency food and shelter. To monitor the grant received from the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program.

Description
members work tegether on goals that are complementary; there is coordination and some sharing of resources.

Organizations/Groups Represented
Aging Agencies
CAP agencies
Food pantries
Head Start
Homeless Shelters
Human services
Individual community members
Other (please specify)
Public health/WIC staff
Religious organizations
UW-Extension Domestic Violence program

Primary Leadership
Provided by Extension

Extension's Leadership Role
Active member; provide primary leadership for the Coaltion

Strategies/Projects/Activities of the Coalition
assessing/measuring the extent of hunger/food insecurity
conducting outreach to connect potential participants to federal nutrition assistance programs (school meals, food stamps) (* primary project)
creating and distributing a resource directory (directing low income residents to sources of assistance)
improving community capacity to address hunger/food insecurity (* primary project)
networking a variety of organizations/individuals working in the area of hunger prevention
networking emergency food providers in the county (* primary project)
organizing food drives to supply emergency food providers
raising awareness of hunger and food insecurity

Funding
This coalition does not have funding for general operations.

Internal Planning
This coalition has participated in planning and organizational (internal) development activities (such as strategic planning, creating a mission statement, training of members).

Evaluation
This group has not evaluated its functioning.
This group has evaluated its strategies/projects/activities.

Success Story
The group wrote a proposal to the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program and received $9,819 to serve residents, without duplication of services. Funds were disbursed to five area agencies and programs: the Mercer Area Food Pantry, Iron County Human Services Department, Community Action Agency, Domestic Violence Escape, and the Aging Unit of Iron County. These agencies provided the following services: 1,575 meals, 176 nights emergency shelter, five eviction forestalls,eighteen utility disconnect forestalls, and supplies and equipment for group meals.

Comments
Looking forward to seeing the results!