On January 27, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a memorandum to federal agencies, requiring a temporary pause on all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance, and other relevant agency activities that may be implicated by the recent executive orders. OMB has rescinded this memorandum.
The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) National Board recognizes that the memorandum and the recent executive orders may have created a great amount of uncertainty and anxiety for the Local Boards and Local Recipient Organizations participating in the program. The National Board is working closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to better understand and respond to the anticipated impact on the EFSP and the program participants. EFSP staff will provide timely updates on the program’s web page as more information becomes available.
EFSP funding awards are determined by the EFSP National Board, which is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The board consists of representatives from:
- United Way of America
- The Salvation Army
- American Red Cross
- United Jewish Communities
- Catholic Charities USA
- National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA
Once awards have been designated our EFSP Local Board, composed of representatives from each county, is now charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food & shelter programs in High-need areas in our communities. Local Board decisions are based on applications submitted by qualified service organizations (see Eligibility tab below) serving each county.
Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local organizations chosen to receive funds must:
1) Be private voluntary nonprofits or units of government (If private voluntary organization, must have a volunteer board)
2) Have an accounting system
3) Practice nondiscrimination
4) Areas eligible for funds are: Served Meals, Other Food, Mass Shelter (on-site), Other Shelter, supplies/equipment, and Rent/Mortgage Assistance and Utility Assistance Please view the application for further description.
5.) Must not have any outstanding reports due to the National Board.
6.) Have an FEIN and UEI number.
EFSP funds must be used to supplement food and shelter services and may not be used as seed money for new programs. The key responsibility of participating organizations is to provide assistance within the intent of the program. 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
• Rent or mortgage assistance to prevent eviction or foreclosure;
• Utility assistance for 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; and
• Administrative funding, if approved by the Local Board. Two percent of a jurisdiction’s award may be used for administrative expenses. Agencies must confirm with the Local Board before making administrative expenditures with the funds.
Overview and Guidance for Phase 41 Will be updated when made available through EFSP
Recorded Overview & Guidance for Phase 41 Will be updated when made available through EFSP
Program Changes for Phase 41 Will be updated when made available from EFSP
Change/New Guidance under Phase 41 - Will be updated when made available from EFSP
In FY 2024, FEMA awarded to the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) National Board made available $117 million under the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, (Pub. L. No. 118-47). The FY 2024 $117 million in annual funding is Phase 42 of the program.
Stephenson County is set to receive from Phase 42 $20,594.
Jo Daviess County is set to receive $8,772 in Phase 42
Carroll County is awarded $6,328 in Phase 42.
Please reach out to Connie Kraft with questions at director@uwni.org or (815) 232-5184, Ext. 1