United Way of Indian River County has been notified that Indian River County will receive federal funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP). These Federal funds are awarded through the Department of Homeland Security.
The Phase 34 award of $16,249 will be used to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. This year’s award is believed to be the lowest amount ever received as Indian River County did not qualify for a “direct allocation” in this phase. Criteria used for a direct allocation include the county’s rates of unemployment and poverty.
Local Board Chairman, Michael Kint, noted, “Last year’s Phase 33 award provided $17,425 in rental, housing and utility assistance funds to 104 individuals residing in Indian River County.”
“The next step in the process for receiving the Phase 34 monies is for the Local Board to solicit funding requests from local organizations,” said Kint. “Funds are not available to individuals.”
Under the terms of this grant, organizations chosen to receive EFSP funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) use funds to supplement and extend existing services and programs, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice non-discrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a volunteer board, and 7) comply with all EFSP regulations.
Qualifying organizations interested in applying for funds should submit their specific funding requests to Michael Kint at michael.kint@unitedwayirc.org .
Funding requests are due by noon on Monday, July 31, 2017.
The decision to provide funds to Indian River County was made by a National Board chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, (FEMA), which is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The National Board consists of representatives from The Salvation Army, American Red Cross, United Jewish Communities, Catholic Charities, U.S.A., National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and United Way of America, which will provide the administrative staff and function as fiscal agent. This 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.
The Local EFSP Board made up of representatives from government, religious and human service agencies, will convene to determine how the funds will be awarded among local emergency food and shelter programs. For additional information, contact Michael Kint at michael.kint@unitedwayirc.org or call 567-8900 ext. 115.
United Way of Indian River County fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in this community. Go to www.VolunteeIndianRiverCounty.org to learn about local opportunities for service. For more information about United Way or to give online, visit www.UnitedWayIRC.org.