United Way to Administer Emergency Food & Shelter Funds to Iroqouis Counties

United Way of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties is serving as the Chair of the newly reformed Iroquois County Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP) Board. The local board will receive funds from the National EFSP Board to supplement existing services that meet critical needs in Iroquois County - including food pantries, home delivered meals, rent and utility assistance programs, and other vital services. 

Eligibility

Under the terms of the grant from the EFSP National Board, local organizations who seek to apply for these funds must:

1. Be private voluntary nonprofits or units of government (If private voluntary organization, must have a volunteer board)

2. Have an accounting system

3. Practice nondiscrimination

4. Areas eligible for funds are: Served Meals, Other Food, Shelter, Other Shelter, supplies/equipment, and Rent/Mortgage Assistance and Utility Assistance.

5. Must not have any outstanding reports due to the National Board.

6. Have a federal UEI number.

EFSP funds must be used to supplement ongoing food and shelter services and may not be used as seed money for new programs. Agencies may receive funds to provide food, shelter and supportive services, including, but not limited to:

• Food services, such as congregate meals or groceries;

• Lodging in a mass shelter, or in a hotel/motel or other off-site shelter facility

• Rent or mortgage assistance to prevent eviction or foreclosure;

• Utility assistance for service for gas, electric and water service; and

• Supplies, including but not limited to cleaning supplies, and small equipment essential to feed or shelter people, not exceeding $300 per item.

Please click the button below to see our 2025 application. These must be emailed to EFSP board chair, Mariah Vail, at mariah@myunitedway.org by end of day February 14th, 2025.