Emergency food and shelter grants available via United Way

Monterey County has been awarded $328,297 for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP). Federally funded and administered by United Way Monterey County (UWMC), EFSP grants are available for 501(c)3 nonprofits and government organizations that provide emergency food, shelter and rental assistance.

Requests for application are due by Friday, August 30, 2019. Applications may be obtained from the UWMC website, www.UnitedWayMCCA.org.

“EFSP funds provide additional resources to meet the increasing demand for basic need services in Monterey County, including food and rental assistance,” said Katy Castagna, President and CEO, UWMC. “With the partnership of the local EFSP board, UWMC will ensure that these funds are distributed fairly and help residents in need of immediate assistance.”

EFSP was created in 1983 to supplement and expand the work of local social service agencies, both nonprofit and governmental, to help people with economic emergencies, excluding natural disaster related crises. EFSP grants may be used to provide economic assistance in the long term, even if the current circumstances may have been impacted by an earlier occurrence. Eligible expenses and program strategies are as follows:

  • Food purchases (food banks, pantries etc.)
  • Transportation for food banks/pantries
  • Equipment and consumable supplies
  • Transportation for mass shelter/mass feeding
  • Building code repairs
  • Utility assistance
  • Facility improvements
  • Mass shelter and feeding expenses
  • Rent/mortgage assistance

For more information about EFSP, contact Josh Madfis, Vice President, Community Investments, by email at Josh.Madfis@UnitedWayMCCA.org or at (831) 372-8026, ext. 106.

About United WayUWMC fights for the financial stability of families throughout Monterey County with a focus on access to affordable, quality child care and housing.  In addition, United Way provides a portfolio of financial support services and connections to help families become self-sufficient. Family financial stability boosts student performance, increases residents’ safety and health outcomes and helps our local economy grow.

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