Weld County’s initiatives to bolster housing stability have been granted $121,860 in federal support via the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) to provide crucial assistance for emergency food and shelter needs.
Organizations, whether nonprofit, faith-based, or governmental, serving Weld County residents with emergency food and shelter services, are invited to seek funding. The application deadline is Monday, April 1, 2024. For inquiries or to obtain an application, please contact Ernest Cienfuegos-Baca, Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of Weld County, via email at ecienfuegosbaca@UnitedWay-Weld.org or by phone at 970-353-6176.
United Way of Weld County leads and facilitates the Weld County EFSP Local Board, which oversees the distribution of funds. Comprised of community representatives, local government officials, and nonprofit agency members, the board evaluates applications and makes funding recommendations accordingly.
The allocated funds are designated to aid vulnerable populations by providing meals, temporary shelter, essential supplies, as well as assistance with rent, mortgage, and utilities. It’s important to note that EFSP funds are intended to supplement existing services and cannot be used to initiate new programs.
Established in 1983, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program serves to enhance the capabilities of local organizations in addressing crisis situations related to food and shelter. Governed by a National Board chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the program involves prominent organizations such as the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, and The Salvation Army, among others.
Over its four-decade history, local United Way chapters have facilitated the distribution of over $5 billion in EFSP funds, benefiting thousands of human services agencies across numerous communities nationwide.
Recipients of EFSP funds are required to meet certain criteria, including being nonprofit or faith-based entities, maintaining appropriate accounting systems, practicing non-discrimination policies, demonstrating competence in delivering emergency food and shelter services, and, if applicable, having a voluntary board in place.
