Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) today announced that the federal government has awarded $1,219,244 for Emergency Food and Shelter Programs (EFSP) in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. The award, representing a one-year increase of 45 percent, will provide critical funding to local non-profit organizations that serve people who are homeless, hungry or facing other serious economic emergencies.
Established in1983 to supplement the work of local social-service programs, EFSP is administered regionally by HFUW, which manages and distributes the funds to county boards that oversee disbursement. For fiscal year 2009, Orange County’s EFSP funds totaled $745,748, a 44 percent increase; Osceola County received $181,544, a 44 percent increase; and Seminole County received $291,952, a 45 percent increase.
“In this time of great and growing need, the EFSP funding boost is good news for thousands of Central Floridians who face unemployment, foreclosure, hunger and even homelessness,” said Robert H. (Bob) Brown, HFUW President/CEO. “And for local nonprofit agencies that are struggling to keep pace with unprecedented demand for services, these funds will help them continue their life-saving work.”
Highlighting the seriousness of local need, Brown noted that utility, rent and food assistance are the top-three reasons people call the United Way 2-1-1 & Elder Helpline, a free, 24-hour-per day service that connects people in need with a network of 800 local health and human service agencies. Last year was the busiest year ever for 2-1-1. More than 115,000 calls were received – a 41 percent increase – and numbers continue to rise.
For more information about United Way, visit www.hfuw.org. If you or someone you know needs emergency assistance, simply dial 2-1-1.
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