The Emergency Food and Shelter Program Distributes $5.6M in Crisis Relief

During challenging times, Angelenos work tirelessly to make ends meet, put food on the table, and keep a roof over their heads. In LA County, over half a million households spend more than 50% of their income on rent. More than 1 million residents face food insecurity, and 1.5 million live in poverty. That’s why the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) continues to bring relief and hope to communities across the region.

For over four decades, United Way of Greater Los Angeles and the EFSP local board have awarded more than $200 million in federal funds to organizations working to serve individuals and families facing food and housing insecurity. In its latest funding phase this year, the local EFSP approved $5.6M to support 168 local organizations helping thousands of our most vulnerable neighbors.

“The 168 funded partners through EFSP are on the frontlines of providing care and critical services to households facing food and housing insecurity. With pandemic era resources ending, supports like EFSP are more important than ever in providing a lifeline of food, shelter, and housing support for households in need,” said Emily Bradley, Director of Strategic Investments at United Way of Greater Los Angeles and Los Angeles EFSP Board Member.

EFSP is a federal program through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) locally administered through United Way of Greater LA and the Local EFSP Board. The program provides supplemental funding support for shelter operations, food programs, hotel/motel stays, and rent/mortgage assistance across LA County.

Among the 168 EFSP awardees that received funding this year are Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Project Angel Food, The Chrysalis Center, Friends In Deed, Homeless Health Care Los Angeles, and The Salvation Army.

We believe that individuals and families deserve more than merely survival. We envision every community in Los Angeles thriving with opportunities and flourishing in prosperity. The EFSP funding moves us closer to this vision by helping break the cycle of poverty. And we couldn’t do it without the organizations that provide those emergency resources to people in crisis.

Congratulations to all of the local organizations selected for awards through the latest phase of EFSP funding!

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