Application For Public or Private Voluntary Agencies Interested in Applying For Emergency Food And Shelter Program Funds

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) was created in 1983 to supplement and expand the work of local social service agencies, both nonprofit and governmental, in an effort to help people with economic emergencies (not disaster-related emergencies). EFSP funds are open to all organizations helping people who are experiencing hunger and homelessness. EFSP funds must be used to supplement feeding, sheltering (including transitional sheltering) and rent/mortgage and utility assistance efforts only.

In FY 2021, FEMA awarded to the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) National Board the $400 million made available under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law No. 117-2), Section 4007, and the $130 million made available under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law No. 116-260). Note that the FY 2021 $130 million in annual funding is Phase 39 of the program and the $400 million under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021(ARPA), Section 4007, is referred to Phase ARPAR (the “R” standing for the regular program and not the supplemental humanitarian relief funding authorized under ARPA, Section 4008).

Locally, the Cuyahoga County Emergency Food and Shelter Board (CCEFSB) is the entity responsible for allocation of the federal dollars that have been awarded to Cuyahoga County. The CCEFSB selects local nonprofit or governmental organizations that have a demonstrated capability to provide emergency food and/or shelter. All awards must be expended by the recipient organizations within the funding cycle.