United Way of Martin County has issued a call for grant applications from Martin County community-based organizations that provide services related to food or shelter.
The grants will be distributed as part of the federally funded Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) made available through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program.
“We know so many residents are struggling to address their families’ basic needs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said United Way of Martin County President/CEO Carol G. Houwaart-Diez. “These grants can go a long way toward supporting those organizations that are helping to serve our most vulnerable residents during these challenging times.”
The EFSP program was created by Congress to help meet the needs of food and housing insecure people throughout the United States and its territories by allocating federal funds for the provision of food and shelter. The program supplements and expands the ongoing work of local social service organizations to provide shelter, food, and supportive services to individuals, families, and households who are experiencing, or at risk of, hunger and/or homelessness. Typically, the County receives a formula set-aside from the State’s annual allocation of EFSP funds; this year’s amount being $20,501. Through the CARES Act, an additional $103,544 funding has been allocated. As a result, Martin County has received $124,045 to distribute to County non-profits.
The United Way of Martin County serves as the convener of the Local Board, which is comprised representatives from The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, faith-based organizations, consumers and local government, who are dedicated to reviewing applications and recommending funding allocations to eligible organizations, as specified under the National Board guidelines.
Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary nonprofits 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 programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Public or private voluntary organizations interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact United Way of Martin County, 283-4800, for an application. The deadline for the submission of applications is June 22, 2020.
For more information visit www.UnitedWayMartin.org. About United Way of Martin County United Way of Martin County’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. Since 1972, the United Way has been working to create long-term social change and provide support to Martin County residents by investing in programs that strive to: enhance healthy living, improve education and support financial stability. For more information about United Way of Martin County, visit www.UnitedWayMartin.org or call 772-283-4800.