About the National Emergency Food and Shelter Program

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) was created on March 24, 1983, with the signing of the “Jobs Stimulus Bill,” Public Law 98-8. The EFSP aims to supplement and expand the work of local social service agencies, both nonprofit and governmental, to help people with economic emergencies (not disaster-related emergencies [i.e., fires of any kind, floods, tornadoes, etc.]). The EFSP funding is open to all organizations helping hungry and homeless people. EFSP funds must be used to supplement feeding, sheltering (including transitional sheltering), and rent/mortgage and utility assistance efforts only.

With the 1983 signing of the “Jobs Stimulus Bill,” a National Board was created, chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), that consisted of representatives of the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, The Jewish Federations of North America, The Salvation Army, and United Way Worldwide.

Since its inception, the EFSP has distributed over $4.4 billion to over 14,000 human service agencies in more than 2,500 communities across the United States.

National Emergency Food and Shelter Program in Greene County

The National Board selects jurisdictions for funding, and Greene County is one of the local jurisdictions in Missouri. Local Boards are convened in those qualifying jurisdictions to determine the highest need and best use of funds and to select Local Recipient Organizations (LROs) that will provide emergency food and shelter services. Each year, needs are to be assessed to respond to changes in the community. United Way of the Ozarks serves as the administrator of the EFSP Local Board in Greene County.

Phase 40

Greene County, MO has been awarded federal funds made available through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP).

The county will receive $80,641 for Phase 40 to supplement local emergency shelters and/or rent/mortgage assistance programs in the county.

The Local Board will determine how to distribute the funds awarded to Greene County to agencies with demonstrated capability to deliver such services.

Greene County's Phase 39 Allocation: $72,027

Greene County ARPA-R Allocation: $222,618 

Key changes to Phase 40 will be available soon. 

Eligible Applicant Organizations

Nonprofit, faith-based, and governmental organizations that provide food, shelter, and supportive services within the intent of the program.

  • Past EFSP participation is not a requirement
  • Submit applications to the Local Board for funding
  • Must have a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) Number
  • Must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
  • Maintain a checking account in the organization’s name for EFSP deposits
  • Pay vendors directly within 90 days for services provided
  • Submit required reports
  • Any agency that is awarded funds that participated in the EFSP in the past and has outstanding compliance exceptions must resolve them prior to the release of funds.

How to apply for EFSP Funds

The application for Phase 40 is currently open. 

Please contact Kimberley Lippelman-Nash with questions.

Apply for EFSP Phase 40 Funds

Local Board Contact for Greene County

Kimberley Lippelman-Nash
Director of Administration
E: [email protected]
P: 417-863-7700, ext. 222
United Way of the Ozarks
320 N. Jefferson Ave.
Springfield, MO 65806