The Stanislaus County Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) Local Board will begin the application process for anticipated funding through the National EFSP Board, a program chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support non-disaster related emergency shelter, rent/mortgage, utility assistance and food programs at the local level. During 2009-10, Stanislaus County emergency service providers were awarded $566,683 to provide for local emergency food, shelter and utility needs.
The local EFSP Board mirrors the National Board with representation from Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Congregation Beth Shalom, The Ministerial Association, United Way of Stanislaus, City of Modesto, City of Turlock, Stanislaus County Housing Authority, community-based organizations and local citizens. The Board is responsible for funding recommendations, program oversight and monitoring.
To be eligible under terms of the National EFSP Board, local applying agencies must meet the basic requirements of: a) be a private voluntary non-profit 501(C)(3) organization or units of government, b) have an accounting system, (audit required if awarded $50,000 or more); c) practice nondiscrimination, d) have demonstrated the capacity to deliver emergency service programs and, e) if a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying organizations are urged to apply. For more information on the EFSP National Program visit www.efsp.unitedway.org.
A mandatory application workshop will be held on at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at 1230 6th St., Modesto. Deadline to apply is 4 p.m. Jan. 6, 2011. For information on applying, or to RSVP for the workshop, contact Rebecca Ciszek at the American Red Cross at 523-6451.
