Washington, D.C.- Today, Congressman Brian Baird (D-WA-03) announced more than $300,000 in emergency food and housing assistance is now available to communities in Southwest Washington.  This money will help thousands of people keep food on the table and a roof over their heads.  The funding comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

"Southwest Washington is seeing some of the most trying economic times since the Great Depression.  Unemployment is high, foreclosures are on the rise, and food banks are overwhelmed.  Many of our friends and neighbors are struggling just to get by," said Congressman Baird.  "While this money won't fix all the problems, it will provide thousands of people the assistance they need to bridge their financial gaps, and meet their basic needs as our economy continues to recover." 

FEMA will distribute the money through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) grant fund.  These grants are used to supplement food, rent, mortgage and utility assistance programs for people with non-disaster related emergencies.  The following counties are receiving funds:

The EFSP started in 1983 and was authorized under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987.  With the ARRA funding, more than $3.4 billion in federal aid has been disbursed through the EFSP since its inception. This aid goes to communities nationwide, and accounts for millions of additional meals and nights of shelter for those Americans most in need.

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