Emergency Services
Helping people in times of crisis.
The National Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)
was created by Congress in 1983 to help social service agencies provide emergency relief to those in need. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) chairs the National Board, and United Way Worldwide is the fiscal agent and staff for the program.
United Way Bay Area supports the program locally:
We have distributed
$61 million throughout our community since EFSP's inception.
These funds are used to help struggling Bay Area residents access basic needs, including food, shelter, rent/mortgage payments, and utilities bill assistance.
Last year, $1.8 million was distributed, providing low-income individuals and families in the Bay Area with:
1.5 Million Meals
More than 70,000 shelter nights
250 rent or utility bill assistance payments
Interested in applying for EFSP funds?
Tax-exempt, nonprofit, or local government entities seeking EFSP funds to be used in the Bay Area should review the general information documents below. Requests for proposals are issued annually—with timelines varying by county—so proposals, applications, and forms will be uploaded as they become available. You may also contact Laura Escobar at 415-808-4380 or lescobar@uwba.org to be added to the mailing list of proposal notification.
General Information and Forms
How to Request a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) Number (PDF)
Local Recipient Organization (LRO) Certification Form SAMPLE (PDF)
