WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Food and Shelter Program has awarded $555,990 in grants to Maine, including funds earmarked for programs in 12 counties, according to U.S. Reps. Mike Michaud and Tom Allen.

The grants provide supplemental funding to homeless shelters, soup kitchens, food banks and rent, mortgage and utility assistance programs. The funds are used to help individuals and families with nondisaster, temporary financial emergency needs.

“This funding will assure food and shelter for people across the state who might otherwise face personal disaster,” Michaud and Allen said in a joint press release.

Counties receiving funds are Androscoggin, Aroostook, Cumberland, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, Washington and York.