Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)
A little about EFSP...
The Emergency Food and Shelter Program was established on March 24, 1983, with the signing of the "Jobs Stimulus Bill," Public Law 98-8. That legislation created a National Board, chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that consisted of representatives of the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, The Jewish Federations of North America, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, The Salvation Army and United Way Worldwide.
The EFSP was authorized under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (P.L. 100-77 signed into law on July 24, 1987, since renamed the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and subsequently reauthorized under P.L. 100-628, signed into law on November 7, 1988). Since 1983, in its 40-year history, the EFSP will have distributed $6.158 billion to over 14,000 human service agencies in more than 2,500 communities across the country through this collaborative effort between the private and public sectors.
The original authorizing legislation (PL 100-77) specifically calls for "sensitivity to the transition from temporary shelter to permanent homes and attention to the specialized needs of homeless individuals with mental and physical disabilities and illness and to facilitate access for homeless individuals to other sources of services and benefits."
Also in accordance with the legislation, the National Board encourages Local Boards, the decision-making local bodies, to place special emphasis on identification of and assistance to the elderly, families with children, Native Americans and Veterans. In addition, the authorization as revised (PL 102-550) in 1992 requires that a homeless or formerly homeless person serve on the Local Boards.
Applying for EFSP funds—Phase 41
The US Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency for Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) Phase has awarded approximately $136,828 to Thurston County.
Nonprofit, faith-based or governmental organizations that provide emergency food and shelter are eligible to apply. The intent is to supplement and expand currently available resources for emergency food and shelter in Thurston County. Priority is based on the needs of the community.
Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm February 19, 2024. No additional information will be accepted after the closing date. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted. Apply at https://agency.e-cimpact.com/login.aspx?org=51130F. Individuals having difficulty with the e-CImpact application should call Zach Davis-Price at 360-943-2773 ext. 115.
Organizations interested in applying for a portion of these funds, please review the EFSP Manual on the website. If your organization has never applied for EFSP funds we strongly recommend to sign up for a one-on-one training. Contact Zach Davis-Price to schedule.
Non-profit, faith-based or governmental organizations that provide emergency food or shelter are eligible to apply. The intent is to supplement and expand available resources for emergency food and shelter in Thurston County. Priority is based on the needs of the community. You can learn more about the EFSP here.
United Way of Thurston County accepts applications for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) grants with each new phase of funding. These grants are Federal Funds awarded through the Department of Homeland Security. This program provides supplemental assistance to social service agencies providing emergency food and shelter.
Organizations interested in applying for a portion of the available funds should review the EFSP Manual online for changes to the programs. A new manual is issued for each phase of funding. If your organization has never applied for EFSP funds, we strongly recommend signing up for one-on-one training. No additional information can be accepted after applying for funds and late or incomplete applications will be rejected per regulations.
People with questions about the application may contact Zach Davis-Price at 360-943-2773 ext.115.
Questions about EFSP rules and regulations should be directed to Cathy King, Coordinator at 360-943-2773 ext. 100.