New London, CT – The local Board for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) has been notified that New London County programs are eligible to receive $135,283. This will provide additional funding for emergency food and shelter programs in the area. The application deadline is 12 Noon on January 16, 2007 for local organizations that wish to receive EFSP funds. Applications are available through United Way of Southeastern Connecticut.

The award was made by the national EFSP Board and includes representatives from national nonprofit organizations. The Board distributes funds appropriated by Congress to expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high need areas.

The local EFSP Board will determine how the funds awarded to New London County are to be distributed among local emergency food and shelter programs. The local EFSP Board passed a resolution ensuring that seventy percent of the funding will be awarded for Rent/Mortgage and/or Utility assistance. Local Board members represent organizations including: American Ambulance, American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Covenant Shelter, Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Mohegan Tribal Nation, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, IBEW Local 261, Norwich Department of Human Services, Norwich Area Clergy Association, Norwich Housing Authority, OIC of New London County, Salvation Army, Southeastern Mental Health Authority, TVCCA, and United Way of Southeastern Connecticut. The local Board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.

Under the terms of the award, local government or private voluntary organizations chosen to receive the funds must: 1) be nonprofit or a unit of government; 2) have an accounting system and conduct an annual independent audit; 3) have a Federal employer identification number (FEIN) or be in the process of securing FEIN; 4) conduct an independent annual audit if receiving $25,000 or more in EFSP funds; 5) practice nondiscrimination; 6) have demonstrated the capacity to provide emergency food and/or shelter programs; and 7) have a voluntary board of directors if they are a private voluntary organization. All qualifying organizations are urged to apply.

In 2005-06 EFSP funds helped at: Alliance for Living, Catholic Charities, City of Norwich Social Services Department, Covenant Shelter, Groton Social Services, Jewish Federation, Madonna Place, Martin House, Reliance House, Salvation Army of New London, Salvation Army of Norwich, St. Vincent DePaul Place, TVCCA, United Way/Labor Food Center, and Women’s Center of Southeastern Connecticut. The funds provided for 17,157 meals; 836 nights of shelter, and paid rent and utility subsidies to 299 households.

Applications for this program must be received at United Way by January 16, 2007 at 12:00 noon. Applications will not be accepted after 12 noon on January 16, 2007. Additional information and application forms may be obtained by contacting Maggie Marley, Community Impact Manager at 464-3325 or maggie.marley@uwsect.org.