Local soup kitchens, pantries and shelters can apply for grants to supplement ongoing efforts
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on December 31st that Oakland County will receive $1,099,037 and Macomb County will receive $940,777 from the Emergency Food and Shelter Program. A local board, chaired by the United Way of Southeast Michigan, will divide the allocation between social service organizations, both public and private, to supplement and expand ongoing efforts to provide shelter, food and support services.
“The food banks, shelters, and pantries are receiving more and more people who have worked all their lives but now, because of job losses or pay cuts, find themselves in a difficult position and in need of assistance,” said Rep. Levin. “The funding making its way to our local community organizations is important for local families.”
The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) was created in 1983 to supplement the work of public and private local social service organizations. Recipient organizations, which are chosen by an EFSP Local Board, can be use funding for mass shelter, mass feeding, food distribution through food pantries and food banks, one-month utility payments to prevent cut-offs, and one-month rent/mortgage assistance to prevent eviction.
The United Way for Southeastern Michigan is accepting grant applications on behalf of the Macomb EFSP Local Board and Oakland EFSP Local Board. An applying organization must be a nonprofit or government agency, have the capacity to provide emergency food and/or shelter services, have at least one full time paid staff person, and must use the funding to supplement and extend existing resources and not to substitute or reimburse ongoing programs and services. Applications are due January 13th. For more information contact Michelle Howard at United Way by calling 313.226.9353 or via email at: Michelle.Howard@liveunitedSEM.org
