The Emergency Food and
Shelter Program was created with a $50 million federal appropriation 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. This collaborative effort between the private and public
sectors has provided over $3.3 billion in Federal funds during its 26
year history.
The 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 Churches of Christ in the USA
- The Salvation Army
- United Way Worldwide
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
- ensure fast response
- foster public/private sector cooperation
- ensure local decision making
- maintain minimal, but accountable, reporting