After months of delays, New Haven County was recently awarded $438,240 in much needed Emergency Food and Shelter Program(EFSP) funding to assist the increasing number of individuals and families needing help with basic needs in our region.
Despite this year's EFSP award being 21% ($120,000) less than New Haven County's 2010 award, funding will help sustain many households in our region struggling with food insecurity, housing and utility costs. EFSP funding also allows area emergency shelters serving single adults and families the opportunity to extend their services beyond their anticipated capacity.
With Connecticut's unemployment rate at 9.1%, (just inching behind the national average of 9.2%), and in the face of deep impending cuts to state programs as a result of the Debt Ceiling deal brokered by our nation's leaders and a recession that seems to stick like glue, will this funding provide the level of service needed in our community? Surely not!
In anticipation of United Way of Greater New Haven's administration of federal funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP) for fiscal year 2011, a competitive application process for New Haven County nonprofits, faith-based, and government agencies is accepting proposals for emergency services program funding.Other organizations such as smaller emerging nonprofits are encouraged to apply in partnership with an eligible 501(c)3 organization that agrees to serve as the fiscal agent for the grant.
The Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program was created in 1983 to supplement the work of local social service organizations within the United States, both private and governmental, to help people in need of emergency assistance. This collaborative effort between the private and public sectors has provided over $3.4 billion in Federal funds during its 27-year history.
The recent economic downturn has affected many of our neighbors throughout the region; unemployment is on the rise, people are losing their homes through foreclosure, and families face significant uncertainty about their financial future. The need for basic services- housing and food- is growing, as more and more people find themselves in difficult financial situations. The need for food is at its peak with over 44% awarded in funding from EFSP for food assistance in Greater New Haven alone.
