EFSP application details

What is the Emergency Food and Shelter Program?

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) was created by Congress in 1983 to help meet the needs of hungry and homeless people throughout the United States and its territories by allocating federal funds for the provision of food and shelter.

The program is governed by a National Board composed of representatives of the American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; The Jewish Federations of North America; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Salvation Army; and United Way Worldwide. The Board is chaired by a representative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). United Way World wide is the fiscal agent for EFSP funding.

Awards are made available by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and will be announced by the National Board. Funded Jurisdictions have local boards made up of representatives from local affiliates of the National Board organizations. The Tulsa Area United Way provides the administrative staff for the jurisdictions of Tulsa County, Creek County and Wagoner County. The EFSP Local Board will determine how the funds awarded to that county jurisdiction will be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service organizations.

How are Emergency Food and Shelter Program Funds Used?

Emergency Food and Shelter funds are dispersed to and used by nonprofit or governmental organizations to provide the following, as determined by the Local Board in funded jurisdictions:

· Food, in the form of served meals or groceries.

· Lodging in a mass shelter or hotel.

· One month’s rent or mortgage payment.

· One month’s utility bill.

· Equipment necessary to feed or shelter people, up to a $300 limit per item.

Funds must be used for residents of that jurisdiction.

How does my Agency or Organization Apply?

When a jurisdiction is funded, the Local Board through Tulsa Area United Way advertises the availability of funds and oversees the local application process. Local organizations, whether nonprofit or governmental, may apply. The Local Board is responsible for considering all applications, and for determining which organizations will receive funds. Nonprofits and government agencies must submit an application and certify compliance with Local Recipient Organization (LRO) regulations to be considered for funding. More information about the national EFSP program can be found at efsp.unitedway.org

Public or private 501(c)3 nonprofit volunteer agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds for Creek, Tulsa and Wagoner County must apply through the Tulsa Area United Way.

More EFSP Details for Tulsa County – Link to EFSP Funding Announcement

More EFSP Details for Creek County – Link to EFSP Funding Announcement

More EFSP Details for Wagoner County – Link to EFSP Funding Announcement

See the EFSP appeals policy – Link to the policy