Governor Martin O’Malley and the Maryland Congressional Delegation announced Dec. 19, that $2,397,663 has been awarded to Maryland by the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.  The funds will be used to help individuals and families in Maryland with non-disaster, temporary emergency needs. 

The Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program is a Federal program administered by The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency to supplement and expand ongoing efforts to provide shelter, food and supportive services for the nation’s hungry, homeless, and people in economic crisis.

“Particularly in these uncertain economic times, we have an obligation to ensure that our most vulnerable citizens are provided for,” said Governor O’Malley.  “Maryland’s federal delegation is to be commended for yet again ensuring that federal aid finds its way to those Marylanders who are struggling during this national economic recession.”

“Americans are feeling stretched and strained and they need a government that is on their side. I know how important these funds are.  These funds mean food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless and more help for Marylanders in need,” said Senator Mikulski. “I will keep fighting in the Senate for funding for programs that will support more Marylanders in need during these difficult economic times.”

“In these difficult economic times, I am pleased that the EFS program will provide needed funding to assist Marylanders who are most in need,” said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Budget Committee.  “This $2.3 million allocation will make it possible for Maryland to expand critical food, shelter and supportive services for those who are homeless and in need of assistance.”

“These resources will hopefully go a long way towards helping those Marylanders who are most in need during these difficult economic times,” stated U.S. House of Representatives Majority Leader, Congressman Steny Hoyer. “Beyond this emergency assistance, revitalizing our economy remains a top priority. It is critical that we have an economic recovery package to create jobs and put our nation back on a path of economic stability and growth.”

The EFS National Board, chaired by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and composed of representatives from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; United Jewish Communities; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; The Salvation Army; and United Way of America, provides supplemental funding to shelters, soup kitchens, and food banks.  One-month awards for rent, mortgage, and utility assistance are also available. 

Program funds are used to provide the following services, as determined by the Local Board in each funded jurisdiction:

· Food, in the form of served meals or groceries

· Lodging in a mass shelter or hotel

· One month’s rent, mortgage, and/or utility bill payment

· Transportation costs associated with the provision of food or shelter

· Minimal repairs to mass feeding or sheltering facilities for building code violations or for handicapped accessibility

· Supplies and equipment necessary to feed or shelter people, up to a $300 lim