FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                     PRESS CONTACT:
August 15, 2014                                                                                                         Brenda Lopez 956.544.8352

PRESS RELEASE: South Texas Counties Awarded Funds Through FEMA’s Emergency Food and Shelter Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Management Agency (FEMA) announced that Bee, Cameron, Gonzales, Hidalgo, Jim Wells, Kleberg, and Willacy Counties were awarded grants as part of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program Phase-32 for the 2014 fiscal year.  The total allocation to these South Texas counties is approximately $700,000.

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) was created by Congress to help meet the needs of the hungry and homeless through the allotment of federal funds.  The funds awarded to each county are used for food, lodging, one month’s rent or mortgage payment, one month’s utility bill, and/or any equipment necessary to feed or shelter people. 

“I thank FEMA for including multiple South Texas counties in the Emergency Food and Shelter Program,” said Congressman Vela. “These funds will help feed and house the most vulnerable in our communities.” 

On January 17, 2014, President Obama signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 into law which included $120 million in funding for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.

Additional Information on Phase 32 (FY14) of the EFSP allocations is available at http://www.efsp.unitedway.org

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