Emergency Food and Shelter Program – Escambia Jurisdiction Agency Application for Phase 41 Funding

Escambia County has been awarded Federal funds made available through the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP) for Phase 41.

Escambia County will receive $97,214 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. The Local Board made up of representatives from local non-profits, faith-based organizations and the business community is charged with distributing these funds appropriated by Congress among the emergency food and shelter programs in the county. 

These funds help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas. Agencies chosen to receive funds must:

  1. be private voluntary non-profits 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,
  6. have a Unique Identify Number
  7. if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Organizations interested in applying for EFSP funds must apply on the United Way of West Florida website uwwf.org/Phase41 or email Melissa Lewis at melissa.lewis@uwwf.org. (Here is a printable pdf)

The deadline for applications to be received is 5:00 pm, Monday, March 11, 2024.

This deadline has been extended to April 1, 2024, by 5:00 pm.

Phase 41 Application

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Sorry… This form is closed to new submissions.

Minimum requirements for application (as specified by the National Board):
For a local agency to be eligible for funding it must:

  • Be nonprofit or an agency of government;
  • Not be debarred or suspended from receiving Federal funding;
  • Have a checking account. (Cash payments are not allowed);
  • Have an accounting system or fiscal agent approved by the Local Board;
  • Have a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
  • Have a Unique Identify Number
  • Conduct an independent annual audit if receiving $100,000 or more in EFSP funds; conduct an annual review if receiving $50,000 to $99,999 in EFSP funds.
  • Be providing services and using other agency resources in the specific area in which they are seeking funding;
  • Practice nondiscrimination (those agencies with a religious affiliation wishing to participate in the program must not refuse services to an applicant based on religion or require attendance at religious services as a condition of assistance, nor will such groups engage in any religious proselytizing in any program receiving EFSP funds;
  • Have a voluntary board if private, not-for-profit (attach a list of the board members and affiliation); and,
  • To the extent practicable, involve homeless individuals and families, through employment, volunteer programs, etc., in providing emergency food and shelter services.

See the full Phase 35 manual for full details. You are encouraged to read the Phase 41 quick-reference guides in each category for an overview of the requirements.
*Local (Escambia County) Board Members: Terri Jenkins, American Red Cross; Melissa Lewis, United Way of West Florida; Ashley Wilkinson Meyer, United Ministries; Tiara Piffins, Catholic Charities; Stephan Wildish, The Salvation Army; Stephen Rome, Pensacola Jewish Federation; Sandra Woodbery, City of Milton; and Stanley Donoway, Bright Bridge Ministries. ♦