United Way NSV now administering Emergency Food and Shelter Money in Clarke and Shenandoah County – Totaling $60,000

United Way NSV now administering Emergency Food and Shelter Money in Clarke and Shenandoah County – Totaling $60,000 through Phase 38 of the National Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)

 

(Winchester, VA, April 13, 2021) – United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley, the board chair of the local Emergency Food and Shelter Program for the Winchester City and Frederick County areas, is now additionally managing the regions of Clarke and Shenandoah Counties.

 

The Clarke County jurisdiction has been selected to receive an award of $12,240 and Shenandoah County has been selected to receive $51,303 under Phase 38 of the National Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP). The jurisdiction's award is based upon the jurisdiction's total number of unemployed as compared to the total number of unemployed in all qualifying jurisdictions. These funds will immediately be made available through local grants to eligible agencies through the EFSP application process.

 

The Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program was created in 1983 to supplement the work of local social service organizations within the United States, both private and governmental, to help people in need of emergency assistance. The program is governed by a national board composed of representatives of the American Red Cross; Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington; United Jewish Communities; The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; The Salvation Army; and United Way.

 

The program's objectives are to:

  • Allocate funds to the neediest areas.
  • Ensure fast response.
  • Foster public/private sector cooperation.
  • Ensure local decision making.
  • Maintain minimal, but accountable, reporting.

“United Way NSV has managed the EFSP program in Winchester and Frederick County for many years, and has the expertise to ensure this funding is allocated quickly and efficiently to meet our community’s needs, said Beth Delullo, director of the Shenandoah County Department of Social Services.

 

Last year, the National Emergency Food and Shelter Board allocated a total of $140 million for Phase 38 to jurisdictions across the country.  Each jurisdiction is then awarded money based on the number of people who are unemployed. The city of Winchester received $9,468 as part of Phase 38. The local board awarded the funds to Faithworks for rent/mortgage assistance and motel vouchers.

 

United Way NSV is accepting applications for Phase 38 allocations for Clarke and Shenandoah Counties.  The deadline to apply is April 30, 2021.

 

Once an award is made by either the National Board or a state set-aside committee, local boards decide which agencies are to receive funds, and then those agencies are paid directly by the National Board. Within a jurisdiction, no more than 2% of the entire award may be used for administrative costs by the local board and agencies combined.

 

Local agencies providing emergency food, shelter and/or utility assistance can apply. For more information on the EFSP program, please see their website: https://www.efsp.unitedway.org/efsp/website/index.cfm

 

For more information on local allocated dollars or to receive a copy of the application form visit United Way’s website at https://www.unitedwaynsv.org/emergency-food-and-shelter-program  or contact De’Nae Whittington at dwhittington@unitedwaynsv.org

 

Deadline for applications are April 30th, 2021.

 

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for funding:

  1. Be a 501(c)(3) non-profit or governmental agency.
  2. Provide EFSP services at no charge.
  3. Funding must supplement existing programs
  4. Non-profit organizations must be directed by a volunteer governing body with an organizational structure to administer programs. 
  5. Have an accounting system or fiscal agent approved by the Local Board.
  6. Have a checking account.
  7. Conduct an independent annual audit if receiving $50,000 or more in EFSP funds, conduct a financial review if receiving $25,000 to $49,999.
  8. Have Federal Employer Tax ID and Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Identification numbers.
  9. Already provide human services in the area in which funds are applied.
  10. Operate without discrimination.
  11. Involve homeless individuals, through employment or volunteer programs, in the provision of services, to the extent possible.

 

Eligible Activities for Funding:

 

The intent of this program is for the purchase of food and shelter, to supplement and expand current available resources and not to substitute or reimburse ongoing services or start new programs.

 

FOOD

  • Food Closets- distribution of bagged groceries to individual clients.
  • Served meals/Mass feeding- ready to eat meals served on-site or delivered.
  • Food Vouchers- vouchers for food at local grocery stores or restaurants.
  • Food Banks- distribution of bulk food to food banks

 

SHELTER

  • Per Diem Shelter- mass shelter
  • Motel/Hotel Vouchers- lodging at motels, etc.
  • Rent/Mortgage Assistance- eviction prevention or one month’s rent.
  • Utility Assistance- up to one month’s assistance (gas, electricity, water, sewer service).
  • Non-metered Utility Assistance- one time delivery (firewood, fuel oil, propane