The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Congress established the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) to help meet the emergency needs of hungry and homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless.

With its local presence and intimate understanding of communities, no other organization is better suited to distribute EFSP funds than United Way.  Considered to be one of the most cost-effective programs administering federal funds, the EFSP Board, made up of 7 human service agencies, distributed $28,490.00 for food, housing and utility assistance to people confronted by hunger and homelessness in Knox County this year.

As part of United Way's community improvement agenda, EFSP funding is a critical component of encouraging self-sufficiency.  Locally, the board is comprised of representatives from Catholic Charities, Galesburg Women's Shelter and Rescue Mission, the Jewish Community, City Government, American Red Cross, Ministerial Association, and the Salvation Army.  This Board, with the United Way of Knox County as the facilitator, is an extraordinary example of public/private partnership.