Washington, D.C. - Congressman Brian Baird (WA-03) today announced that the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded federal funding to Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Pacific, Skamania, and Thurston counties for social support services.  The funding is allocated through the National Board of the Emergency Food and Shelter (EFS) Program to help social service agencies prevent homelessness, and feed and shelter the nation's hungry and homeless.

"I am pleased to announce this critical funding for Southwest Washington and the many residents who will benefit from the Emergency Food and Shelter Program," said Congressman Baird.  "Since its inception, the EFS program has helped social service agencies in Washington get the resources they need to feed the hungry and provide housing for those who need it most.

The funding is allocated to each jurisdiction as follows:

• $270,685 to Clark County.
• $63,336 to Cowlitz County.
• $51,106 to Lewis County.
• $14,003 to Pacific County.
• $7,808 to Skamania County.

In each funded jurisdiction, a Local Board advertises the availability of the funds, establishes local priorities, selects local non-profit and government agencies to receive supplemental funding, and monitors program compliance.  The Local Board's composition mirrors the EFS Program National Board, with a local government official replacing FEMA and board members voting to select their chair.

Emergency Food and Shelter grant funds are used to supplement food, shelter, rent, mortgage and utility assistance programs for people with non-disaster related emergencies.  The EFS Program is administered by a National Board of voluntary agencies chaired by FEMA. Member agencies of the National Board include American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; The Salvation Army; United Jewish Communities; and United Way of America.