Meredith Egan
Special to Treasure Coast Newspapers USA TODAY NETWORK – FLORIDA
VERO BEACH — United Way has been notified that Indian River County was awarded federal funds from the
Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter (EFSP) program.
Phase 37 has been awarded $52,745 and Phase CARES has been awarded $75,199. Totaling $127,944, these
awards are based upon unemployment and poverty rates at the national average and will be used to supplement
emergency food and shelter programs in the county.
“The next step in the process for receiving the Phase 37 monies is for the local board to solicit funding requests
from local organizations,” said Meredith Egan, local EFSP board chair, “funds will not be available directly to
individuals.” Applications must be submitted online no later 5 p.m. on May 19, 2020 to be considered for
funding for Phase 37 and Phase CARES. Late applications will not be accepted.
Under the terms of this grant, organizations chosen to receive EFSP funds must: 1) be private voluntary nonprofits
or units of government, 2) use funds to supplement and extend existing services and programs, 3) have
an accounting system, 4) practice non-discrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency
food and/or shelter programs, 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a volunteer board
and 7) comply with all EFSP regulations.
Qualifying organizations interested in applying for funds should submit requests to Meredith Egan at Meredith.
The decision to provide funds to Indian River County was made by a National Board chaired by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) which is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The
National Board consists of representatives from The Salvation Army, American Red Cross, United Jewish
Communities, Catholic Charities, U.S.A., National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. and United Way
of America which will provide the administrative staff and function as fiscal agent.
The Local EFSP board made up of representatives from government, religious and human service agencies will
be convened to determine how the funds will be awarded among the local emergency food and shelter
programs.
For additional information, contact Meredith Egan at Meredith. [email protected] or call 772-567-8900
ext. 125.
