Emergency Food & Shelter Program

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United Way of York County, SC has been awarded federal funds under Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP). United Way of York County, SC has been chosen to receive $220,804 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from The Salvation Army; American Red Cross; United Jewish Communities; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; and, United Way of American. The National Board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.

A Local Board made up of representatives from local health and human service organizations, local government, faith community and others will determine how the funds awarded to United Way of York County, SC are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) have an accounting system, 3) practice nondiscrimination, 4) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 5) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board. New this year, agencies will be required to provide DUNS number. Qualifying agencies are encouraged to apply.

United Way of York County, SC has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds previously to the Salvation Army, People Attempting to Help, Inc., Pilgrims Inn, Clover Area Assistance Center, and Fort Mill Care Center . These agencies were responsible for preventing homelessness by assisting qualifying families and individuals with rent or mortgage assistance and utility assistance during the past year.

Local FEMA board members have designated Utility and Rent/Mortgage expenses as priority categories for 2010 funding based on Needs Assessment data provided by United Way of York County, SCs 2-1-1 Information & Referral System. In 2009, 76% of 2-1-1s identified needs from York County callers were for basic needs services.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Debbie Hayworth, United Way's Community Building Director of United Way of York County, SC, PO Box 925, Rock Hill, SC 29731 or call 803-324-2735 for an application. The deadline for applications to be received is Friday, February 5, 2010 at noon.