United Way facilitates the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) on behalf of Snohomish County local EFSP board. EFSP funds are allocated in phases annually to local communities through the national board.
Last year, Snohomish County was awarded $336,360 in EFSP Phase 42 (2024) Allocation. Unfortunately, following the federal freeze by Executive Orders in January of 2025, EFSP remains on hold. This means that local nonprofits that support people in need of food, housing and utilities will be affected.
While executive orders were lifted, the funds have not been released, and this may have created a great amount of uncertainty and anxiety for the Local Boards and Local Recipient Organizations participating in the program.
The National Board is working closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to better understand and respond to the anticipated impact on the EFSP and the program participants. National EFSP Board staff will provide timely updates on the program as more information becomes available.