Emergency Food & Shelter Program

EFSP Phase 42 Funds Remain Uncertain 

As of May 2025, the status of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) in Snohomish County remains uncertain. Funds from Phase 42 have not been released, and local agencies continue to advocate for the resumption of funding to address the pressing needs of those experiencing food insecurity and homelessness.

United Way of Snohomish County and its partners remain committed to serving the community and are actively seeking alternative resources to bridge the gap caused by the federal funding delays.  

 

 

Snohomish County Emergency Food and Shelter Program 

   

United Way of Snohomish County (UWSC) plays a pivotal role in administering the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) locally. Acting as the fiscal agent and facilitator for the Snohomish County EFSP Local Board, UWSC oversees the distribution of federal funds aimed at supporting individuals and families facing hunger and homelessness. 

UWSC was appointed to this critical position based on several core qualifications: 

  • Established community trust and infrastructure

  • Proven grantmaking and compliance capacity 

  • Neutral convener role 

  • Alignment with EFSP mission 

In 2024, Snohomish County was allocated $336,360 under EFSP Phase 42. However, in January 2025, a federal executive order imposed a temporary freeze on all federal financial assistance programs, including EFSP. Although the freeze was lifted later, the funds for Phase 42 have yet to be released, leaving local nonprofits without the anticipated support. 

The continued delay in fund disbursement has left many service providers in a precarious position, struggling to meet the increasing needs of the community and directly impacting their ability to deliver critical services.   

The EFSP Local Board in Snohomish County comprises representatives from 13 organizations, including local affiliates of national entities such as The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and the American Red Cross, as well as local government officials and community members. These board members are responsible for determining funding priorities and selecting recipient organizations based on demonstrated need and capacity to deliver services effectively. 

 

 

$329,867 Allocated to 18 Local Organizations  

Snohomish County was allocated $329,867 under EFSP Phase 41. In March of 2024, the Snohomish County EFSP Local Board announced the Phase 41 application process, receiving 22 submissions, and later awarded funds to 18 organizations, including: 

  • The Salvation Army  

  • Everett Gospel Mission  

  • Volunteers of America WW  

  • Pathways for Women (YWCA)  

  • Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County  

  • Tulip Tribes  

  • Housing Hope   

  • Senior Services of Snohomish County – DBA Homage Senior Services  

  • Interfaith Association of the Northwest Washington  

  • United Way of Snohomish County  

  • Cocoon House  

  • Monroe Gospel Women’s Mission  

  • Sound Pathways  

  • Millennia Ministries  

  • LINC NW  

  • Washington West African Center   

  • Everett Public Schools Family Resource Center  

  • Bridgeways  

These organizations provide essential services such as emergency shelter, food assistance, rental and utility support, and case management to vulnerable populations across Snohomish County. 

 

 

Phase 42 Application Closed Until Further Notice 

The Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP) is currently not accepting applications as the funds for Phase 42 have yet to be released. 

For questions regarding EFSP or the application process, please contact Susan Gustafson, Director of Programs, at snocoefsp@uwsc.org.    

 

 

1983: Congress Establishes Emergency Food and Shelter Program 

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) began in 1983. The program was created by Congress to help meet the needs of hungry and homeless people throughout the United States and its territories by allocating federal funds for the provision of food and shelter. 

Nationally, EFSP is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and has been entrusted through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 (PL 100-77) “to supplement and expand ongoing efforts to provide shelter, food and supportive services” for hungry and homeless people across the nation.   

In 2023, FEMA awarded the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) National Board $130 million made available under the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Action, 2023 (Pub. L. No. 117-382).