Washington County has been notified that it will be awarded federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) funds through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as appropriated by Congress. Washington County has been recommended to receive $110,182 for Phase 40 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.
The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Jewish Federations of North America, The Salvation Army; and, United Way Worldwide.
The Local Board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country. A Local Board made up of local community leaders will determine how the funds awarded to Washington County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. The Local Board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under this phase of the program. These funds will be used to supplement existing food and shelter services, and cannot be given to start new programs.
In anticipation of this award and deadlines, the Local EFSP Board is encouraging local agencies that meet the requirements to apply for the funds. Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary nonprofits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.
Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Phase 40 Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Sue Urcho for an application by emailing office@unitedwaywashco.org with the subject line EFSP or visit www.unitedwaywashco.org/EFSP to download the application. The deadline for applications to be received is Friday, February 3, 2023 at 3 p.m.