TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County has issued a call for grant applications from county, community-based organizations that provide services related to food or shelter. The grants will be distributed as part of the federally-funded Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP).

“We know so many residents are struggling to address their families’ basic needs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “These grants can go a long way toward supporting those organizations that are helping to serve our most vulnerable residents during these challenging times.”

The EFSP program was created by Congress to help meet the needs of food and housing insecure people throughout the United States and its territories by allocating federal funds for the provision of food and shelter. The program supplements and expands the ongoing work of local social service organizations to provide shelter, food and supportive services to individuals, families and households who are experiencing or at risk of hunger and homelessness

Typically, the county receives a formula set-aside from the state’s annual allocation of EFSP funds—this year’s amount being $209,176. Through the CARES Act, Congress has authorized additional funding for the program this year. As a result, Baltimore County has received $368,039 to distribute to County nonprofits.

EFSP funds may be used to provide services, including:

• Food in the form of served meals or groceries.
• Lodging in a mass shelter, a hotel or motel, or another offsite shelter facility, limited to 30 days assistance per individual or household.
• One month rent or mortgage assistance to prevent eviction or foreclosure, or utility assistance.
• Transportation costs associated with food or shelter.

In keeping with the emergency nature of this program, the local EFSP board created a simplified funding application for organizations to apply to the Local EFSP Board.

To receive an application, email [email protected]. Applications are due on Thursday, June 11, at 1 p.m. The National Board will issue grants to local organizations that are recommended for funding by the Local Board.