Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)

Funder: United Way of 1000 Lakes (administers locally for Itasca County)

Program Type: Federal emergency relief funding administered through the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (DHS/FEMA)

Geographic Scope: Itasca County, Minnesota

Funding Purpose:
Supplements and expands local efforts to provide emergency assistance to individuals and families experiencing:

• Hunger
• Homelessness
• Economic crisis

What Funds Support:

• Served meals or emergency groceries
• Lodging in shelters or hotels
• Emergency rent and mortgage assistance
• Foreclosure prevention
• Utility assistance
• Related supplies (diapers, feminine hygiene products, cleaning solutions, repackaging supplies)

Eligibility Requirements:
Applicant organizations 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 capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs
6. If a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board

Program Background:
Funding is allocated based on 12-month unemployment rates, total number of unemployed, number of individuals below poverty level, and total population of Itasca County.

Award History:

• Phase 37 (FY19): $27,355 distributed
• CARES Act (2020): $39,000 distributed
• Total 2020: $66,355 distributed
• 2019: $28,426 distributed

Decision-Making: A Local Board comprised of representatives from organizations concerned about or responsible for serving the hungry and homeless makes funding decisions. Board meets annually to review applications and determine allocations.

Previous Grant Recipients:

• Community Café
• Grace House
• The Salvation Army
• Second Harvest North Central Food Bank
• United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (Buddy Backpack Program)
• KOOTASCA Community Action

Contact Information:

• Kim Brink Smith, United Way Executive Director
• Phone: 218-999-7570
• Address: 350 NW 1st Ave., Suite A, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
• Hours: Mon-Thurs, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Application Process

Submission Materials:

• Completed application form
• Cover letter describing intended use of funds

Application Requirements:
Applicants must specify what EFSP funds will be used for when applying.

Submission:

• Applications available for download at uwlakes.org/nonprofit-resources
• Submit by deadline (typically mid-May for annual cycle)
• Submission deadline: 4 p.m. on application deadline date

Mandatory Participation:
Applicants are required to attend the Local Emergency Food and Shelter Board meeting to be considered for funding.

Contact for Questions:

• Kim Brink Smith, United Way Executive Director
• Phone: 218-999-7570