Emergency Food and Shelter Program
FEMA's Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds local organizations to provide food, shelter, and essential services to people facing or at risk of hunger and homelessness.
Funder: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Due Dates: Annually (varies by jurisdiction; check local board announcements)
Funding Amounts: $130 million (FY23 regular EFSP); typical grants vary by locality and need; additional humanitarian funds available in some years.
Summary: Provides FEMA funding to local organizations for shelter, food, and support services to people facing or at risk of hunger and homelessness.
Key Information: Funds distributed via local boards; eligibility and deadlines vary by community.
Description
The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) is a federal initiative funded by FEMA and authorized under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The program is designed to supplement and expand the work of local nonprofit and governmental organizations providing shelter, food, and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing, or at risk of, hunger and homelessness. EFSP also supports humanitarian relief efforts for families and individuals encountered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
EFSP funds are allocated to qualifying jurisdictions (typically counties and cities), which then distribute grants to local organizations. Services funded include meals, groceries, emergency lodging, rent/mortgage and utility assistance, transportation, and supplies necessary for food and shelter provision.
