Wyandotte County has been awarded $77,754 in federal funds under the National Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) through the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist the homeless and near homeless in 2017. Funding for Phase 34 EFSP funding has been announced and applications are now being accepted.
EFSP consists of representatives from The Salvation Army; American Red Cross; United Jewish Communities; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; and United Way Worldwide.
The national board is distributing funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high need areas around the country. Locally, the distribution of funding is administered by United Way of Wyandotte County for agencies that have programs providing food pantries, food kitchens, food vouchers, rent and mortgage assistance, and shelter.
Agencies may receive an application by contacting Todd Jordan at the United Way of Wyandotte County at [email protected] or 913-371-3674 ext. 1322. Applications are due by 12 p.m. July 5.
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) be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply. Agencies applying must have, or be willing to obtain, electronic fund transfer capabilities. After the applications are received, a committee representing community members and local agencies will determine which agencies will be eligible to receive funding.
Agencies receiving funds from the program in 2016 were Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, Cross-Lines Community Outreach, Economic Opportunity Foundation, Friends of Yates, Metro Lutheran Ministry, Mt. Carmel Community Outreach, Salvation Army, and United Way of Wyandotte County.