The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) is a federally-funded program administrated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The purpose of the EFSP is to supplement and expand the ongoing work of local social service organizations, both non-profit and governmental, to provide shelter, food and supportive services to individuals and families who have economic emergencies. EFSP funding supports those at risk of becoming hungry or homeless due to economic hardships.
This is not a United Way of Lee County grant, our organization is simply an administrator of the allocations, along with representatives from other local nonprofits. A local board composed of Lee County residents determines how the grant monies are distributed among emergency food and shelter programs in the county. The funds are disbursed by FEMA. Visit https://www.efsp.unitedway.org for more information.
Funding may only be provided to local non-profits or government agencies for the purpose of providing emergency food, shelter or utility services in Lee County. Under terms of the grant from the National Board, organizations chosen to receive funds must:
1) be non-profit or a government agency;
2) have an accounting system and agencies requesting funds greater than $100,000 must conduct an annual audit;
3) practice non-discrimination;
4) charge no fee for services of the requested funded program;
5) private voluntary organizations must have voluntary boards;
6) to the extent practical, involve homeless or formerly homeless individuals in the process of providing emergency food and shelter services.
Organizations wishing to be considered for a portion of these funds may request an application from United Way of Lee County. The application is also available below. Funding requires strict adherence to policies and deadlines.