Local organizations who help feed and shelter the hundreds of homeless and in-need residents of Stanislaus County may be able to receive federal funding through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.

The Stanislaus County Emergency Food and Shelter Program Local Board will open the competitive application process for Phase 35 funding of $368,425, which has been awarded by the National EFSP Board through the Department of Homeland Security. Funding consideration will be given to eligible applicants from local organizations with an existing emergency food and shelter program.

In the past, organizations such as We Care Program of Turlock, the Children’s Crisis Center and Haven Women’s Center have received funding, among others.

EFSP is a nationwide program chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and funded through the Department of Homeland Security. 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 and United Way. Additional representation includes City of Modesto, City of Turlock, homeless services, community-based organizations and citizens. The Local Board is also responsible for monitoring funded programs, including any additional funds made available under a current program phase.

In accordance with National EFSP guidelines, the local EFSP Board will review eligible organizational applicants and consider funding recommendations to supplement their existing emergency food and shelter programs. To be eligible under terms of the National EFSP Board, local applying agencies must meet the basic requirements of: 1) be a private voluntary non-profit or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have a program in current operation (no-start-ups) with demonstrated capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter services, 6) if awarded, operate program with funds received retroactively for services provided, and 7) 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 9:30 a.m. April 25 at the United Way of Stanislaus County, 422 McHenry Ave., Modesto. Workshop RSVP is required by April 20. Deadline to submit a completed EFSP application is 4 p.m. May 17. For more information or to RSVP for the workshop by April 23, contact Rebecca Ciszek, EFSP Board Administrator at: rlciszek@comcast.net.