Sumter County Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)

Funder: U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) / Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program

Geographic Scope: Sumter County, Florida

Focus Areas:

• Emergency food programs
• Emergency shelter programs
• Utility assistance programs

Award Information:

• Phase 36 (2019): $37,005
• Previous award (2017): $36,656

Background: The National Board, chaired by FEMA and consisting of representatives from American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, The Jewish Federations of North America, The Salvation Army, and United Way Worldwide, distributes Congressional appropriations to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in high-need areas.

Local Board Members: United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties, Mid Florida Community Services, Mid Florida Homeless Coalition, Inc., and others determine distribution among local service agencies.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Demonstrated capability to deliver emergency food, shelter, or utility assistance programs
2. Eligible to receive Federal funds
3. Private voluntary non-profits or units of government
4. Have an accounting system
5. Practice non-discrimination
6. If private voluntary organization, must have a voluntary board
7. Must be entering data into the Mid Florida Information Network system or willing to participate (Local Board recommendation)

Previous Recipients: The Refuge at Jumper Creek (shelter), Hope Ministries (food assistance)

Contact Information:

• Mid Florida Homeless Coalition
• 104 E Dampier Street, Inverness, FL 34450
• Phone: 352.860.2308
• Office Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday

Application Process

1. Obtain Application:
   • Visit midfloridahomeless.org website
   • Pick up in person at Mid Florida Homeless Coalition office at 104 E Dampier Street, Inverness, FL 34450
   • Call 352.860.2308 to request
2. Complete Application:
   • Provide organizational information
   • Describe proposed emergency food and/or shelter programs
   • Explain capability to deliver services
   • Document accounting systems and non-discrimination practices
   • If applicable, provide documentation of voluntary board structure
3. Submit Application:
   • Mail to:
   • Mid Florida Homeless Coalition
   • 104 E Dampier Street, Inverness, FL 34450
   • OR deliver in person to office
   • Completed applications required by deadline
4. Selection Process:
   • Local Board reviews applications
   • Recommends agencies to receive funds
   • Selection based on demonstrated capability and eligibility

Typical Timeline (2019 Phase 36):

• Applications available
• Deadline: September 13, 2019 by 5:00 PM
• Applications received at 5:00 PM will not be accepted