What is EFSP?
The intention of Emergency Food Shelter Program (EFSP) funds is to provide rapid assistance to communities, supporting basic needs such as food purchases, safe shelter, financial assistance, and essential supplies and equipment for immediate relief.
In El Paso, EFSP funds play a critical role in supporting local programs that provide safe, affordable housing and nutritious food to individuals experiencing hunger and homelessness. Grantees have used these funds to expand shelter services, offer rental assistance, and deliver healthy food to families in need.
Administered by the United Way of El Paso County and overseen by a local board of nonprofits and government organizations, the program ensures that vital resources reach those who need them most.
What’s the impact?
Since its inception in 1983, we’ve helped distribute over $300 thousand in EFSP funding to organizations across El Paso County.
Who is the local board?
The El Paso EFSP board is charged with the oversight of the grant program and sets priorities every grant cycle. We are thankful for their service and partnership on local needs and to prevent homelessness and food insecurity, in our community.
Board members include:
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Yvette Lugo - Board Chair
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Julie Summerford - Pearson - Co - Board Chair
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Anna Apodaca - American Red Cross
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Adela Alonso - City of El Paso
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VACANT - Community Member
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VACANT - Catholic Charities
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Irene Gutierrez - El Paso County
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Joy Leos - 211
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Margarita Sanchez - Community member
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Major Florian Estrada - Salvation Army
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Mark Matthys - University Presbyterian
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Elizabeth Palyu - Ysleta del Sur Pueblo
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Raymond Tullius - Opportunity Center
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Steve Yellen - Ameriprise
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Susan Goodell - El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank
What are EFSP objectives?
The program’s objectives are:
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to allocate funds to the neediest areas,
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to ensure fast response,
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to foster public/private sector cooperation,
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to ensure local decision making,
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to maintain accountable reporting, and
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to respond to the most critical needs in El Paso.
Local Funding Priorities
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Serve a geographically diverse area of El Paso County
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Serve a range of populations that are most in need
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Provide most needed services addressing eligible categories: food, shelter, rent/mortgage and utility assistance.
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Leverage Optimal Buying Power with funds
Eligibility for Organizational Applicants
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Non-profit or governmental organization with a Unique Entity ID (UEI).
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Currently providing services in the category(s) for which you are requesting funding.
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Currently registered with HMIS or capacity to register prior to receipt of award funds.
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Capacity to expand program area without any additional administrative funds.
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Capacity to serve all eligible applicants in the geographic area, without limiting services to any specific population.
Stay tuned for upcoming local funding opportunities.
Information for agencies awarded funding in EFSP
Each EFSP Local Recipient Organization (LRO) contact person has access to their organization’s portal on the EFSP website at www.efsp.unitedway.org. It is highly recommended that each LRO review all training webinars provided on the EFSP website under the Training Workshops tab.
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Please review the LRO training webinar before providing assistance with EFSP funding.
Below are essential reference materials needed when administering EFSP funding to the community:
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Phase 35: Key Changes and Clarifications
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Phase 36: Key Changes and Clarifications
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Phase 37: Key Changes and Clarifications
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Phase 38: Key Changes and Clarifications
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​Quick Reference Guides are available for agencies and staff administering EFSP funds. Please consult the Quick Reference Guides below for detailed information on allowable expenses and reporting requirements:
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