The Emergency Food and Shelter Program was created in 1983 by Congress to help meet the needs of hungry and homeless people throughout the United States and its territories by allocating federal funds for the provision of food and shelter. The program is governed by a National Board composed of representatives of the American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; The Jewish Federations of North America; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Salvation Army; and United Way Worldwide. The Board is chaired by a representative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). During its 38 years of operation, the program disbursed over $5.03 billion to over 14,000 local providers in more than 2,500 counties and cities.

A Local Board is charged with distributing EFSP funds to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas within the county. Local organizations, whether nonprofit or governmental, may apply for EFSP funding. The Local Board is responsible for considering all applications, and for determining which organizations will receive funds. The Local Board also determines which services are funded.
How Are Emergency Food and Shelter Program Funds Used?
Program funds are used to provide the following, as determined by the Local Board (TBNEH) in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties:
- Food, in the form of served meals or groceries.
- Lodging in a mass shelter or hotel.
- 90 days rent or mortgage payment.
- 90 days utility bill.
- Equipment necessary to feed or shelter people, up to a $300 limit per item.
Application Information
If you have any questions, contact Caitlyn at caitlyn.peacock@networktoendhunger.org. You may also refer to the EFSP website for more information https://www.efsp.unitedway.org/.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PHASE 40
EFSP Hillsborough Phase 40 Application
EFSP Hillsborough Phase 40 Scoring
The required local orientation for EFSP Hillsborough County Phase 40 will be on March 2, 2023 10:00am-11:30am. You must RSVP to Caitlyn Peacock at caitlyn.peacock@networktoendhunger.org to RSVP and receive the link to the Zoom Meeting.
PINELLAS COUNTY PHASE 40
EFSP Pinellas Phase 40 Application
EFSP Pinellas Phase 40 Scoring
The required local orientation for EFSP Pinellas County Phase 40 will be on February 23, 2023 10:00am-11:30am. You must RSVP to caitlyn.peacock@networktoendhunger.org to RSVP and receive the link to the Zoom Meeting.
For more information about the Emergency Food and Shelter Board Program please visit http://www.efsp.unitedway.org or CLICK HERE