About the National Emergency Food and Shelter Program

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) was created on March 24,1983, with the signing of the “Jobs Stimulus Bill,” Public Law 98-8. The EFSP aims to supplement and expand the work of local social service agencies, both nonprofit and governmental, to help people with economic emergencies (not disaster-related emergencies [i.e., fires of any kind, floods, tornadoes, etc.]). The EFSP funding is open to all organizations helping hungry and homeless people. EFSP funds must be used to supplement feeding, sheltering (including transitional sheltering), and rent/mortgage and utility assistance efforts only.

With the 1983 signing of the “Jobs Stimulus Bill,” a National Board was created, chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), that consisted of representatives of the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, The Jewish Federations of North America, The Salvation Army, and United Way Worldwide.

Since its inception, the EFSP has distributed over $6.5 billion to over 14,000 human service agencies in more than 2,500 counties and cities.

National Emergency Food and Shelter Program in Pitt County

The National Board selects jurisdictions for funding, and Pitt County is one of the local jurisdictions in North Carolina. Local Boards are convened in those qualifying jurisdictions to determine the highest need and best use of funds and to select Local Recipient Organizations (LROs) that will provide emergency food and shelter services. Each year, needs are to be assessed to respond to changes in the community. United Way of Pitt County serves as the administrator of the EFSP Local Board in Pitt County.

Current Phase

Pitt County, NC has been awarded federal funds made available through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP).

The county will receive $77,463.00 for Phase 41 to supplement local emergency shelters and/or rent/mortgage assistance programs in the county.

Eligible Applicant Organizations

Nonprofit, faith-based, and governmental organizations that provide food, shelter, and supportive services within the intent of the program.

• Past EFSP participation is not a requirement
• Submit applications to the Local Board for funding
• Must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number: https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration
• Must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN):  http://www.irs.gov
• Maintain a checking account in the organization’s name for EFSP deposits
• Pay vendors directly within 90 days for services provided
• Submit required reports
• Any agency that is awarded funds that participated in the EFSP in the past and has outstanding compliance exceptions must resolve them prior to the release of funds.

How to apply for EFSP Funds

The application for Phase 41.

Applications will be accepted until Sunday, March 6th at  11:59 PM.  To apply, organizations must complete the online application here for EFSP funding in Pitt County. Current or former EFSP participation is not a requirement. Interested agencies must submit an application to the Local Board in the jurisdiction where they are providing services. Each Phase is considered new and funding to agencies is not guaranteed. See the national EFSP website for further details, instruction manuals, and recorded webinars.

Please contact Dwain Cooper with questions.

Local Board Contact for Pitt County

Dwain Cooper
Executive Director
E: dcooper@uwpcnc.org

P: 252-758-1604 ext. 205