United Way announces Emergency Food and Shelter Funding to local programs

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) supplements the work of local social service agencies, both nonprofit and governmental, to help people with economic emergencies (non-disaster-related). EFSP funds are used to supplement feeding, sheltering, rent/mortgage or utility assistance efforts for programs already in existence. Funding is made available by the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and administered locally by United Way of Southeastern Connecticut.

Funding amounts are determined nationally by a board chaired by FEMA. This year the Emergency Food and Shelter Program allocated a total of $130,609 to agencies in New London County for Phase 40.

A Local Board is charged with distributing these funds to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas within the county. The Local Board reviews applications requesting funds in the following priority areas: rent/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, mass shelter costs, other shelter, and mass feeding (served meals or food pantry).

Click here to view the list of programs and funding received.

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF SOUTHEASTERN CONNECTICUT
United Way of Southeastern Connecticut is a locally-based non-profit organization supporting a network of 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 make an impact in four areas: Basic Needs; Community Wellness; Promoting Independence; and Thriving Children.
 
United Way operates the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center which provides food to a network of free emergency food programs in New London County and a Mobile Pantry, 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.
 
ABOUT THE EMERGENCY FOOD AND SHELTER PROGRAM
The national Emergency Food and Shelter Program was created in 1983 as a program to supplement and expand the work of local social service agencies, both nonprofit and governmental, in an effort to help people with economic emergencies. The program is typically supported by local United Ways throughout the country. United Way of Southeastern Connecticut has been the local administrator for EFSP for more than twenty years. United Way does not make funding decisions but carries out the administrative requirements of the program.