Emergency Food and Shelter Funds

The funding numbers to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in Northwest Arkansas have been released:

Benton County                 $67,519

Carroll County                  $8,512

Madison County               $4,454

Washington County          $60,809

The selection was made by a national board that is chaired by the Emergency Food and Shelter Board Program (EFSP) and consists of representatives from the Salvation Army; American Red Cross; United Jewish Communities; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA; and United Way of America.  A Local 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 Board will determine how the funds awarded to the counties will be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service organizations in the area.  The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program. 

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 

• Be private voluntary non-profits or units of government.

• Have an accounting system.

• Practice non-discrimination.

• Have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs.

• If they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board.  

Qualifying agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds may contact Barbara Smith at the United Way office for an application.  Deadline for applications to be returned to the United Way of Northwest Arkansas is October 4, 2012 at noon. 

The EFSP Board has previously distributed these supplemental funds to the Salvation Army, Samaritan Community Center and other programs such as these.  These agencies were responsible for providing, through EFSP funding for programs such as:  food assistance for the displaced, utility assistance and housing assistance.  Public and private non profit organizations interested in applying for funding must contact the United Way of Northwest Arkansas at 750-1221; applications are due October 4, 2012.