Thanks to the extensive advocacy of United Way Worldwide, local United Ways and other Emergency Food and Shelter program partners throughout the country, Congress voted to approve $200 million for fiscal year 2010 for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP).  The funding was included in the Homeland Security Appropriations bill, passed by the House and approved by the Senate on October 21, 2009.   President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law sometime soon.

Though  this is the same level of funding as last year, securing it was a challenge.  Since the EFSP received an additional $100 million  in 2009 via the American Response and Recovery Act (ARRA – stimulus bill), the Administration proposed reducing funding  to $100 million for 2010. 

United Way of King County manages the Local EFSP Board which allocates funds each year to nonprofit agencies throughout King County.  In 2009, the Local Board allocated $1,040,346 and $508,064 in ARRA-stimulus funds to 50 food banks, 34 meal programs and more than 80 programs that provided emergency shelter, motel vouchers, eviction prevention, and first month’s rent.  These critical funds provide a safety net to the 384,927 individuals in King County living at 200% below the federal poverty level struggling to keep food on the table and a roof over head.   

We’re awaiting news from National on how much of the $200 million King County will be awarded during Phase 28 – the next funding cycle.  Federal awards are based on national and county unemployment rates, number of people below the poverty level within the county, and the total county population.

Visit EFSP to find out more about the program or to learn more about economic conditions impacting the lives of people in our community, visit our website.