Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP)

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

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.

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)

Application Process

1. Request for Proposal (RFP) Opens: FEMA/National Board announces RFP window (varies by phase)
2. Online Application: Eligible organizations must submit completed applications through an online portal
3. Deadline: Applications must be submitted by the announced deadline (typically 2-4 weeks after RFP opens)
   • Example: Phase 41 RFP opened April 19, 2024; deadline was May 3, 2024
   • Example: Phase 39 RFP opened February 2, 2022; deadline was February 18, 2022
4. Review Process: A Local Board consisting of representatives from government, nonprofits, and community organizations reviews applications and selects funding recipients
5. Award Notification: Selected agencies are announced by an independent volunteer Review Panel

Required Eligibility Documentation

Applications must demonstrate that the organization:

• Is a private non-profit or government agency
• Is eligible to receive Federal funds
• Has an accounting system in place
• Practices non-discrimination
• Has existing emergency food and/or shelter programs
• (If private) Has a voluntary board of directors

Application Contact

Loren Yakisch
Community Engagement Manager
United Way of Will County
Email: loren@uwwill.org
Phone: 815.723.2500

For application details and requirements, contact:
Loren Yakisch at the contact information above