Food & Shelter Fund

Geographic Scope: Lancaster County, PA

Overview:
United Way of Lancaster County created the Food & Shelter Fund as a locally driven initiative to replace the gap left by the federal Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP). For decades, Lancaster County received critical EFSP support through FEMA, but recent shifts in federal funding have eliminated this source. The Food & Shelter Fund is a temporary initiative designed to bridge this gap by supporting local nonprofits providing essential food and shelter services.

Historical Context:
Since 1983, EFSP grants administered through FEMA provided critical assistance. Lancaster County received over $7 million through the program's 42 phases.

Focus Areas:

• Emergency food and meals
• Housing assistance, shelter, and transitional housing
• Critical gaps in food and housing services

Supported Organizations (Historical EFSP Recipients):
Community Action Partnership, Clare House, CrossNet Ministries, Donegal Presbyterian Church, Elizabethtown Community Housing & Outreach Services (ECHOS), Ephrata Area Social Services (EASS), Hands Across the Street, Lancaster County Food Hub, Parish Resource Center, REAL Life Community Services, Tenfold, The Factory Ministries, Solanco Neighborhood Ministries, Spanish American Civic Association (SACA), YWCA

Eligibility:
Applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria:

• 501(c)(3) non-profit agencies OR faith-based organizations with a voluntary board in good standing
• Currently providing food and/or shelter supports to neighbors in Lancaster County
• Demonstrate capacity to provide services under each category for which they are applying
• Practice non-discrimination and refrain from requiring participation in religious programs to receive services

Grant Use:

• Emergency food or meals
• Housing assistance, shelter, or transitional housing
• Reasonable administrative and personnel costs that support delivery of food or shelter services (must be clearly justified in budget narrative)

Grant Award Determination:
Grants are awarded based on:

• Demonstrated need in the community
• Organization's capacity to deliver services effectively
• Clarity and strength of program model
• Expected impact and outcome measurement
• Responsiveness to urgent or unmet needs

Funding Source: Community donations

Application Process

How to Apply:
Local nonprofits providing food and shelter services were encouraged to apply. For current application information, contact Julie Kennedy, Director of Advocacy & Engagement.

Required Information:
The fund supports programs that:

1. Provide emergency food or meals
2. Offer housing assistance, shelter, or transitional housing
3. Address critical gaps in food and housing services
4. Demonstrate measurable impact and responsiveness to urgent community needs

Budget Requirements:

• Reasonable administrative and personnel costs may be included
• Costs must be clearly justified in budget narrative

Contact for Application Details:
Julie Kennedy
Director of Advocacy & Engagement
Email: kennedy@uwlanc.org
Phone: 717.394.0731