Filter By

May 7, 2020

Mecklenburg County Awarded Over $1.1M Under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program

Mecklenburg County has been awarded $1,160,117 to help supplement local emergency food and shelter efforts.

 

A portion of the funds—$478,258—was awarded under Phase 37 of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), a federally funded program intended to help meet the needs of people experiencing hunger and homelessness in cities and counties throughout the United States.

 

Congress appropriated $120 million in FY 2019 and $125 million in FY 2020 to the EFSP. Each year, funding is allocated to eligible jurisdictions and managed by a local board.

 

In addition to funds awarded under Phase 37, Mecklenburg County received $681,859 under another EFSP funding phase called Phase CARES. The EFSP was appropriated $200 million in supplemental funds under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in FY 2020 to respond to the COVID-19 impact on communities.

 

In Mecklenburg County, a local EFSP board facilitated by United Way of Central Carolinas will determine how the Phase 37 and Phase CARES funds will be distributed to area service providers of emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

 

EFSP funds must be used to supplement food and shelter services and may not be used as seed money for new programs. Agencies may receive funds to provide food, shelter and supportive services, including, but not limited to:

 

  • Food services, such as congregate meals or groceries
  • Lodging in a mass shelter, or in a hotel/motel or other off-site shelter facility limited to 30-days assistance per individual or household
  • One month rent or mortgage assistance to prevent eviction or foreclosure
  • Utility assistance for one month of service for gas, electric and water service
  • Supplies, including but not limited to cleaning supplies, and small equipment essential to feed or shelter people, not exceeding $300 per item
  • Administrative funding, if approved by the local EFSP board

 

To be eligible for local EFSP funding, organizations must be a private, voluntary nonprofit or unit of government; be eligible to receive federal funds; have an accounting system; practice non-discrimination; demonstrate the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs; and, if a private voluntary organization, must have a voluntary board.

 

Qualifying Mecklenburg County organizations interested in applying should contact Beth Reichert, grants manager at United Way of Central Carolinas, at breichert@uwcentralcarolinas.org to request an application. Completed applications must be emailed to her no later than noon on Friday, May 15.

Source: UWCC News
Date: May 7, 2020