Nearly $1.6M awarded to supplement emergency food and shelter efforts across the Charlotte region

Mecklenburg, Cabarrus and Union counties have been awarded a total of $1,576,545 to help supplement local emergency food and shelter efforts.

 

A portion of the funds was awarded under Phase 37 of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), a federally funded program intended to help meet the needs of people experiencing hunger and homelessness in cities and counties throughout the United States.

 

Congress appropriated $120 million in FY 2019 and $125 million in FY 2020 to the EFSP. Each year, funding is allocated to eligible jurisdictions and managed by a local board.

 

In addition to Phase 37, the counties received funds under another EFSP funding phase called Phase CARES. The EFSP was appropriated $200 million in supplemental funds under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in FY 2020 to respond to the COVID-19 impact on communities.

 

Emergency Food and Shelter Program Local Allocations:

 

Mecklenburg County

Phase 37: $478,258

Phase CARES: $681,859

 

Cabarrus County

Phase 37: $81,960

Phase CARES: $116,851

 

Union County

Phase 37: $89,713

Phase CARES: $127,904

 

In each county, a local EFSP board facilitated by United Way of Central Carolinas will determine how the Phase 37 and Phase CARES funds will be distributed to area service providers of emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

 

EFSP funds must be used to supplement food and shelter services and may not be used as seed money for new programs. Agencies may receive funds to provide food, shelter and supportive services, including, but not limited to:

 

• Food services, such as congregate meals or groceries
• Lodging in a mass shelter, or in a hotel/motel or other off-site shelter facility limited to 30-days assistance per individual or household
• One month rent or mortgage assistance to prevent eviction or foreclosure
• Utility assistance for one month of service for gas, electric and water service
• Supplies, including but not limited to cleaning supplies, and small equipment essential to feed or shelter people, not exceeding $300 per item
• Administrative funding, if approved by the local EFSP board

 

See more information about the Mecklenburg, Cabarrus and Union funding announcements.