Lake County is expected to receive an additional $157,245 in federal stimulus funds to help local residents affected by the recession with the cost of rent, mortgage payments, utilities and food.

The city of Gary was awarded $30,021, which will be used to supplement emergency food programs administered through Greater Hammond Community Services as well as rent and mortgage assistance through Catholic Family Services.

The remaining funds are intended for use throughout the county and were given to Greater Hammond Community Services for food assistance, Catholic Family Services for rent and mortgage assistance, and The Salvation Army of Lake County for utility assistance.

Two local boards -- one serving Gary and the other serving the rest of Lake County -- will distribute the money to help with food and shelter in high-risk areas, with the Lake Area United Way serving as the lead agency.

"These agencies qualified as local recipients under the terms of the grant from the National Board in part because they are able to reach individuals who have become unemployed or underemployed since October 2008," said Dave Sikes, director of Allocations/AFL-CIO Community Services on staff at the Lake Area United Way.

"With unemployment skyrocketing, many working families are seeking assistance for the first time," Sikes said. "These extra Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds will certainly help."