United Way Emergency Food & Shelter Program Grants Announced

The local board for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) has approved grants to expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in New London County. The total amount of the grants is $138,481, and it was awarded to nineteen local programs.

The local EFSP Board, comprising volunteers from across southeastern Connecticut, determined how the funds awarded to New London County are distributed among local emergency food and shelter programs. United Way of Southeastern Connecticut assists with the EFSP program by providing staff support, promoting the funding opportunity, and convening the local Board, but does not make funding decisions for EFSP.

The award to our region was made by a National Board that is chaired by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and includes representatives from national nonprofit organizations. The Board distributes funds appropriated by Congress to expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high need areas around the country. EFSP Funds must be used to supplement feeding, sheltering and rent/mortgage and utility assistance efforts for programs already in existence and to serve those within New London County. For more information about EFSP, visit our website: http://www.uwsect.org/efsp.

Emergency Food & Shelter Program Phase 33 Awards

• 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
• MASH - $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 dePaul Place - $7,700
• The Salvation Army, New London - $6,500
• The Salvation Army, Norwich - $1,948
• Sound Community Services - $4,000
• TVCCA - $1,925

United Way of Southeastern Connecticut is a locally-based non-profit organization supporting a network of 72 health and human services, programs, and initiatives in New London County that work together to help people in need and improve community conditions. Supported programs include early care and education, child development, employment training, physical and mental health care, crisis intervention, shelter, employment training, emergency/disaster preparation, and response and recovery service.

United Way operates the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center which provides food to 81 free emergency food programs and through a Mobile Food Pantry program, at no cost to those in need. United Way supports 2-1-1 Connecticut for free information and referral 24/7 and Project Warm-up for one-time, emergency heating assistance. Visit United Way online at www.uwsect.org to get involved.