The Emergency Food and Shelter Program is governed by a National Board composed of representatives of the American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; United Jewish Communities; The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; The Salvation Army; and United Way of America. The Board is , chaired by a representative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The program's objectives are:
• to allocate funds to the neediest areas,
• to ensure fast response,
• to foster public/private sector cooperation,
• to ensure local decision making, and
• to maintain minimal, but accountable, reporting.
How Are Emergency Food and Shelter Program Funds Used?
Program funds are used to provide the following through local organizations, as determined by the Local Board in funded jurisdictions:
• Food, in the form of served meals or groceries.
• Lodging in a mass shelter or hotel.
• Three months of rent or mortgage payments.
• Three months utility bill.
• Minimal repairs to allow a mass feeding or sheltering facility to
function during the program year.
• Equipment necessary to feed or shelter people, up to
a $300 limit per item.