Northwest Indiana has been awarded more than $272,000 by the Federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) to support local food pantry, homeless shelters and basic needs services.
The award was made by the EFSP National Board, chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal EMA and consisted of representatives from the American Red Cross, the Catholic Charities USA, National Council of Churches of Christ, The Salvation Army, United Jewish Communities and United Way of America.
A local board will determine how the awarded funds will be distributed. Organizations meeting certain requirements are encouraged to apply. The requirements include those who serve in Jasper, Lake, Porter or Starke counties or the city of Gary. They must be a private nonprofit organization with a voluntary board or unit of government. They must also demonstrate the capability to deliver emergency food or have shelter programs. They also must be eligible to receive federal funds and have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number. Finally, they will need to have an accounting system and does not discriminate in their service to the community.
The application deadline is noon on Monday, February 27. Qualified applicants can request an application by emailing United Way Northwest Indiana at info@unitedwaynwi.org.
