FEMA Grant to United Way Makes $137,000 Available for Food, Shelter Needs

(May 8, 2020 11:37 AM) United Way of Jackson County has been awarded $137,170 in federal funds to support food, shelter and utility assistance programs in high-need areas. The emergency funding is provided through the Emergency Food And Shelter National Board Program (EFSP), administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

United Way invites local governmental and private voluntary organizations that qualify to apply for these funds. Special consideration is given to organizations that serve the elderly, families with children, homeless individuals with mental or physical disabilities, and veterans.

Also, applying organizations must meet these criteria:

·           Any nonprofit, governmental or faith-based organization;

·           Provide a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and a Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN);

·           Have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter;

·           Have no compliance issues in any previous phases;

·           Have an accounting system

·           Be providing services and using its other resources in the area in which they are seeking funding;

·           Have a voluntary board if private, not-for-profit;

·           Practice nondiscrimination; and

·           To the extent practical, involve homeless individuals and families, through employment, volunteer programs, etc. in providing emergency food and shelter services.

The funding guidelines and questions to be addressed can be found at https://tinyurl.com/EFSP2020. To be considered for funding, all requested information must be provided and proposals must be submitted via email to Ebone’ Worthey, Community Solutions Manager, at United Way of Jackson County, eworthey@uwjackson.org. The deadline is May 22.

A local board of Jackson County residents will determine how the funds will be distributed.  This board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.

For further information, contact Worthey at 517-914-6561 or eworthey@uwjackson.org. Also, details are available online at uwjackson.org.