The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) is a FEMA-funded program authorized by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987. The program supplements and expands ongoing work of local nonprofit and governmental social service organizations to provide shelter, food, and supportive services to individuals and families who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, hunger and/or homelessness.
The EFSP National Board is the sole recipient of EFSP grant funds from FEMA and establishes the program’s policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Lewis County Local Board has been awarded Emergency Food and Shelter Board funds through the State Set-Aside program for two phases. Phase ARPA-R in the amount of $3,461.00 and Phase39 in the amount of $2,800.00. The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The eligibly criteria for his program is be nonprofit or agency of the government, not be debarred or suspended from receiving federal funding, have a checking account with EFT, have an account system approved by the Local Board, have a FEIN, have a DUNS number, have a valid email address for program communication and Esign processes; conduct annual audits, provide services in Lewis County, practice nondiscrimination, have a voluntary board and involve if practicable homeless through employment, volunteer programs etc., in providing emergency food and shelter services.
A Local Board made up of volunteer Lewis County residents will determine how the funds awarded above 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.