Applications for program at UWOLC

Lafayette County has been awarded $16,357 in Phase 41 funding to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

The federal funds are made available through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP).

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; The 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 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.

A local board, made up of county, city, nonprofit and church representatives will determine how the funds awarded to Lafayette County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area.  The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds under this phase of the program.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must:  1) be private, voluntary nonprofits 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.

Lafayette County has participated in the program since 1985 and has received $670,439 over that period in support of the county’s emergency food and shelter needs.  Phase 40 program funds were distributed to The Pantry and Interfaith Compassion Ministry.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for EFSP Phase 41 funds can download the application(s) from the United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County (UWOLC) website at uwoxfordms.org/efsp41 or pick up a copy at its office (440 N. Lamar Blvd., Suite 5). 

Completed applications must be received at the UWOLC office or via email at kurt@unitedwayoxfordms.org by 5 p.m. on Monday, May 6. Contact Kurt Brummett at the noted email address or by phone at 662-236-4265 for further information.