Lancaster County nonprofits that offer emergency food and shelter programs are being invited to apply for a new round of federal funding.
The Emergency Food & Shelter Program has distributed supplementary assistance to local organizations since the 1980s. Lancaster County’s share is provided through United Way of Lancaster County. Since last year, it has partnered with the Lancaster County Redevelopment Authority on grant administration and compliance.
Administrators anticipate having $220,680 available to distribute. The maximum allocation to an individual organization is $50,000.
Eligible expenses include group meals, shelter services, and short-term assistance for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Grants are evaluated by a local board led by United Way and the Office for the Lancaster County Homelessness Coalition, part of the redevelopment authority’s Department of Human Services. This year, it is prioritizing shelter, due to the county’s acute need in that area, said board Administrator Marjorie Shaffer, who is the coalition office’s housing coordinator.
For application materials, click here. The deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15.
The money can be used for expenses incurred from Nov. 1, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2023.
Lancaster County has recived more than $7 million from the EFSP over the years.
Last year, the regular allocation of $203,831 was supplemented by $631,148 from the American Rescue Plan, for a total of more than $830,000, the largest allocation in county history.
Questions may be directed to Deb Jones, director of the Office for the Homelessness Coalition.
