The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) supplements and expands the work of local social service agencies to help people with economic (not disaster-related) emergencies. The EFSP began in 1983 and was created 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. During its 22 years of operation, the program has disbursed over $2.6 billion to over 11,500 local providers in more than 2,500 counties and cities.

In Oklahoma City/Oklahoma, Canadian, and McClain Counties, a Local Board governs the EFSP. During fiscal year 2003-04, over $349,000 was awarded to this area to supplement social service agencies in their work. This funding helped to provide more than 65,000 meals in mass feeding facilities such as soup kitchens and Meals-on-Wheels, over 5,900 nights of shelter were provided, and over 800 families were helped with utility assistance. Additionally, the funding helped to provide food baskets, meal vouchers, and rent/mortgage assistance.

If your agency is a non-profit or governmental entity providing food and/or shelter services in the local area, you may be eligible to apply for this supplemental funding. Funding becomes available between October and December each year. An application information sheet and an application form are available for download. Please contact Alisa Allen, at (405) 236-8441 ext. 285 for more information or visit the National Board website at www.efsp.unitedway.org.

EFSP Local Board members :

Sue Bullard- American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma
Don Hudman- Areawide Aging Agency
John Tipps- Canadian County Department of Human Services
Cecilia Amend- Catholic Charities
Lou Friese- City Rescue Mission
Barry Gardner- Communication Workers of America Local 6016
Pat Bain- McClain County Department of Human Services
Ann Simank- North Care Mental Health Center
Blair Schoeb- Oklahoma County Department of Training & General Assistance
Tim Tall Chief- Oklahoma State Department of Health
Antoinette Hysmith-Hinton- Salvation Army
William J. Robinson- Shirk, Work & Robinson
Heather Shue- United Way of Central Oklahoma
Linda Saleski- Oklahoma Goodwill Industries
Hossein Sarjeh Payma- Langston University