Emergency Food and Shelter Program - CARES Act

The United Way of Portage County (UWPC) Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) has received a grant award of $113,067 from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress on March 27th, 2020.  This over $2 trillion economic relief package delivers on the commitment to protecting the American people from the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19.

The CARES Act provides fast and direct economic assistance for American workers, families, and small businesses, and preserve jobs for our American industries.

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 30 days). 

• One 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.

• ​One month's utility bill.

  • 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 - $56,534

• Housing Assistance - $45,226

• Utility Assistance - $11,307

The online application must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 14 2020.  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.