Fiscal Year 2023 Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP) ($130M)

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) is a federal grant program that provides funding to local social service organizations to help people in need of emergency food and shelter assistance. The program is governed by a National Board that sets policies and procedures and determines funding allocations to local communities. The National Board is composed of individuals nominated by six national nonprofit organizations, and FEMA chairs the board. The program provides funding for services such as food, shelter, rent/mortgage assistance, utility payments, and supportive services. The funding is available to all organizations helping hungry and homeless people, and the National Board determines which Local Recipient Organizations (LROs) will receive funding. The program's objectives are to supplement the work of local social service organizations, provide emergency economic assistance, and help people become self-reliant. Some key services that may be provided with EFSP funds include: • Food, in the form of served meals or groceries; • Lodging in a mass shelter or hotel; • Rental or mortgage assistance to prevent evictions; • Utility payment to prevent service cut-offs; • Transportation costs associated with the provision of food or shelter; • Minimal repairs to mass feeding or sheltering facilities to address building code violations and occupant safety, or for providing access to those with disabilities and others with access and functional needs; • Supplies and equipment necessary to feed or shelter people; • COVID-19 testing and associated medical care during quarantine and isolation.