National Emergency Food and Shelter program funds coming to Adams, Brown, Hancock and Pike counties

ADAMS COUNTY, Ill. — Adams, Brown, Hancock and Pike counties are being awarded American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 funds through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP).

EFSP funds are used to supplement local programs providing rent/mortgage, utility, food assistance and emergency shelter.

In west central Illinois, United Way of Adams County serves as the coordinating agency for the local EFSP board. The board determines how the funds awarded to Adams, Brown, Hancock and Pike counties will be distributed to emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must:

• be a private, voluntary non-profit with a voluntary board or be a unit of government;
• have an accounting system;
• practice nondiscrimination; and
• have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs.

Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds can be used to provide food in the form of served meals or groceries, temporary, short-term lodging in a mass shelter or hotel or one month of rent, mortgage or a utility payment.

In the past, the local board has distributed EFSP funds to The Salvation Army, Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials, Horizons Social Services, Catholic Charities, Western Illinois Regional Council and the Community for Christ Assistance Center.

Local service agencies who fit the above criteria can contact Reggie Freel, United Way of Adams County Director of Programs and Services, at 217-224-1223 for application information.