Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP)

Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP)

Funder: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) / Department of Homeland Security (DHS) via National Emergency Food & Shelter Board

Administrator: United Way of Will County (since 1983)

Geographic Scope: Will County, Illinois

Program Overview

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) was established March 24, 1983 under Public Law 98-8 ("Jobs Stimulus Bill"). A National Board, chaired by FEMA, includes representatives of:

American Red Cross

Catholic Charities USA

The Jewish Federations of North America

National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA

The Salvation Army

United Way Worldwide

Purpose: Supplement and expand the work of local social service agencies (nonprofit and governmental) in helping people with economic emergencies (not disaster-related).

Recent Award Amounts

• Phase 41 (2024): $338,090
• Phase 39-40 (2022): $345,687 + $1,068,437 (ARAPA-R)
• Phase 38 (2021): $361,728
• Total distributed to Will County since 1983: $9,832,092 ($9.8M)

Funding Priority Areas

1. Mass shelter 2. Other shelter 3. Served meals 4. Other foods (food pantries) 5. Rent/mortgage assistance 6. Utility assistance

Eligibility Requirements

Local agencies chosen to receive funds must:

Be private non-profits or government agencies

Be eligible to receive Federal funds

Have an accounting system

Practice non-discrimination

Have existing emergency food and/or shelter programs

If a private organization, have a voluntary board

Submit an online application by deadline

Funding Based on Local Need

Amounts distributed to Will County are determined by the National Emergency Food & Shelter Board based on local need.

Contact Information

Local Administrator: Loren Yakisch United Way of Will County Email: loren@uwwill.org Phone: 815.723.2500

Address:
54 North Ottawa Street, Suite 300
Joliet, IL 60432

National Board Information

Visit the National Emergency Food & Shelter Website

Local Board Members

• Loren Yaksich (United Way of Will County) – Chairman
• Kristi Harrington (United Way of Will County) – Finance Director/Signer
• J.D. Ross (Illinois Department of Human Services)
• Anitarice Schmidt (Cpt. Dan Faundez, Salvation Army)
• Cornelia Malone (Joliet Township)
• Glenn Van Cura (Catholic Charities)
• Harold Damron (Will County Emergency Management Agency)
• Honorable Larry Walsh, Jr. (Illinois State Representative)
• Jennifer Dylik (Troy Township)
• Ken Cozzi (American Red Cross)
• Kris White (Will Co. Center for Community Concerns)
• Laurie McPhillips-Weglarz (Coldwell Banker Residential)
• Michele Batara (Crisis Line of Will County)
• Officer Adam Schreiner (Lockport Police Department)
• Rabbi Charles Rubovits (Joliet Jewish Congregation)
• Rev. Herb Brooks (St. John's Missionary Baptist)
• Rev. Sherry Scates (Plainfield United Methodist Church)
• Ron O'Connor (Will County Regional Office of Education)