HAGERSTOWN, MD (March 27, 2024) — The Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter national board program (EFSP) has awarded $40,473 under Phase 41 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in Washington County. The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, The Jewish Federations of North America, The Salvation Army, and United Way Worldwide. The Local EFSP Board is charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country. 

EFSP Funds will be distributed to a variety of Washington County emergency food and shelter programs through a competitive grant process. The funding awarded is based on final approval by the national EFSP board of directors. The Local Board, chaired by United Way of Washington County, consists of representatives from voluntary, governmental, and religious sectors, is responsible for reviewing applications and recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under this phase of the program. 

Under the terms of the grant from the national EFSP board, local agencies selected to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply. 

In most recent phases, Washington County has received allocations from the program totaling over $300,451 to supplement services addressing food insecurity, rent/mortgage assistance, emergency shelter, and utility payment assistance. Local organizations who have received funds include: The Salvation Army, Washington County Community Action Council, Reach of Washington County, Interfaith Service Coalition, Horizon Goodwill Industries, Washington County Commission on Aging, and Zion Reformed United Church of Christ. United Way of Washington County is responsible for the local administration of this grant program. 

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Kelli Tencer: United Way of Washington County, 83 West Washington Street, Suite 101, Hagerstown, MD 21740 or by phone at 301-739-8200 ext. 104 or by email at kelli@uwwcmd.org for an application. The deadline for applications to be received is 3 PM on Monday, April 8, 2024. 

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The United Way of Washington County (UWWC) serves over 80 organizations and 65,000+ residents annually. United Way fights for the health, education, financial stability, and basic needs of all residents in our diverse community. UWWC has been awarded a 2024 Platinum Seal of Transparency designation from Candid (formerly GuideStar USA) and a 2024 exceptional four-star, A+ rating from Charity Navigator, both organization's highest honors. For more information or to donate, please call 301.739.8200 or visit our website at www.unitedwaywashcounty.org.