EFSP Application

EFSP

Portage County Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)
Total Amount Allocated to Portage County $66,463

Food - $26,585
Housing - $26,585

Utilities - $13,293

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) was created in 1983 by Congress to supplement and expand the work of local social service agencies, both nonprofit and governmental, in an effort to help people with economic emergencies.  The EFSP funding is open to all organizations helping hungry and homeless people. EFSP funds must be used to supplement programs that provide food, shelter (including transitional shelter, rental and mortgage), and utility assistance.  EFSP funds are not to be used to substitute or reimburse ongoing programs and services.

EFSP is governed by a National Board that selects jurisdictions for funding. Local Boards are convened in those qualifying jurisdictions to determine the highest need, best use of funds, determine eligibility criteria, and to select those Local Recipient Organizations (LRO’s) that will provide emergency food and shelter services.

Funding must be used to assist Portage County residents.  Program funds are used to provide the following, as determined by the Local Board:

  • Food, in the form of served meals or groceries. Lodging in a mass shelter or hotel, when no other appropriate shelter is available (no more than 90 days).
  • Up to three month's rent or mortgage payment.
    • Providing rent or mortgage is in arrears, or
    • First month’s rent when client is: either transient, moving from temporary shelter to a more permanent living arrangement, or is being evicted from current housing and one-month payment will not forestall eviction.
  • Up to three month's utility bills.
    • Providing utility is in arrears.
  • Minimal repairs to allow a mass feeding or sheltering facility to function during the program year.
  • An administrative allowance of 2% of total funds received (this allowance is part of the total award-not in addition to the award.)

To apply for funding:  

  • Agencies should complete the online application pertaining to the type of service that your agency/program is seeking funding for (shelter, food, and/or the utilities section) and Budget sheet.
  • Be prepared to present your proposal to the Local Board, upon request.
  • Attached is a link to the Appeals Process (Attachment I).
  • Attached is a link to the Local Recipient Organization’s Responsibilities (Attachment II).  If your agency is chosen to receive funding, you must comply with these responsibilities.

Available Amounts

  • Food Assistance - $26,585
  • Housing Assistance - $26,585
  • Utility Assistance - $13,293

The online application must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024.  Only online applications will be reviewed for consideration.

Any questions should be directed to:  Bill Childers, EFSP Local Board Chair at 330-297-1424 or at billc@uwportage.org.

ACCESS THE EFSP APPLICATION