The United Way of Southeastern Connecticut announced Tuesday that grants totaling $138,481 were awarded to 19 local organizations to expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in the region.

The grants were awarded as follows: Alliance For Living, $2,940; Catholic Charities, $13,000; Covenant Shelter, $10,150; Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center, $17,500; Groton Social Services, $11,200; Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut, $8,000; Madonna Place, $3,800; Martin House Inc., $1,650; Mystic Area Shelter and Hospitality, $3,435; New London Community Meal Center, $3,000; New London Homeless Hospitality Center, $13,015; Norwich Human Services, $17,718; Reliance House, $5,000; Safe Futures, $6,000; Saint Vincent de Paul Place, $7,700; The Salvation Army New London, $6,500; The Salvation Army Norwich, $1,948; Sound Community Services, $4,000, and Thames Valley Council for Community Action, $1,925.

The grant is facilitated through United Way but awarded through the local board for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.

The money is appropriated by Congress to areas across the country to aid food, shelter, and utility assistance programs.