Emergency Food & Shelter

Using Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) supplements local agencies that help meet the needs of the hungry and the homeless.

Local boards determine how to use EFSP funds to serve the greatest needs in their communities.

Eligibility

  • Annual household income must be at or below 150 of current federal poverty guidelines.
  • Applicant must be the party responsible for costs of applicable benefit.
  • Applicant must present evidence of an extraordinary or exceptional circumstance that brought about the emergency situation.

Benefits

Program funds provide the following, as determined by the local board in funded jurisdictions:

  • food, in the form of served meals or groceries
  • lodging in a mass shelter or hotel
  • one month’s rent or mortgage payment
  • one month’s utility bill
  • minimal repairs to allow a mass feeding or sheltering facility to function during the program year
  • equipment necessary to feed or shelter people, up to a $300 limit per item