Local agencies that provide emergency food and shelter will have a chance to apply for federal funding through a Department of Homeland Security program chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The Stanislaus County Emergency Food and Shelter Program Local Board will begin the application process for the upcoming funding cycle with projected funding of $399,010.

Last funding cycle, $356,679 was distributed to 21 local agencies including: $23,100 to the United Samaritans Foundation, $13,500 to the Salvation Army Turlock Corps, and $8,800 to the We Care cold weather shelter program in Turlock.

The Stanislaus EFSP Board follows National Board guidelines that require representation from Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Congregation Beth Shalom, The Ministerial Association, United Way, City of Modesto, City of Turlock, Stanislaus County Housing Authority, homeless services, community-based organizations and local citizens. Through a competitive application process, the Stanislaus EFSP Board will review and make funding recommendations to local service organizations that provide emergency food and shelter programs that meet National EFSP requirements.

To be eligible under terms of the National EFSP Board, local applying agencies must: 1) be a private voluntary nonprofit or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter, and 6) if a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board.

A mandatory application workshop will be held at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Red Cross office, 1230 6th St. in Modesto. Attendees must pre-register by calling Rebecca Ciszek at 209-523-6501.

Funding application deadline is 4 p.m. Jan. 15. For more information on the EFSP National Program visit www.efsp.unitedway.org.