Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)

Phase 41 Funding Announced

Washington County has been awarded Federal funds made available through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program.

Washington County will receive a jurisdictional allocation of $87,250 for Phase 41 under the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) announced on Thursday, January 18, 2024.

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.

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;
6) If they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board.

Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

EFSP Phase 41 Application - PDF

EFSP Phase 41 Application - PDF Fillable

All agencies applying for EFSP funds must provide their UEI and FEIN in their applications. Failure to provide these numbers will prevent or delay the release of funds to agencies. The numbers may be obtained, as follows:

  • Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): The DUNS Number has been removed and the Unique Entity ID is now the identifier of record for all entities in IAE systems. Click here for more information on the Unique Entity ID.
  • Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN): FEIN numbers are issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at no cost. Learn how to apply for a FEIN online.

Any nonprofit, faith-based or local government agency that provides food and shelter services may apply for funds. Current or former EFSP participation is not required for participation.

EFSP funds must be used to supplement food and shelter services and may not be used as seed money for new programs. Agencies may receive funds to provide food, shelter and supportive services, including, but not limited to:

  • Food services, such as congregate meals or groceries;
  • Lodging in a mass shelter, or in a hotel/motel or other off-site shelter facility limited to 30-days assistance per individual or household;
  • One month rent or mortgage assistance to prevent eviction or foreclosure;
  • Utility assistance for one month of service for gas, electric and water service; and
  • Supplies, including but not limited to cleaning supplies and small equipment essential to feed or shelter people, not exceeding $300 per item.

The National EFSP Board will make available a webinar with additional information to interested agencies.  Once this information is available, it will be listed here.