FOOD & SHELTER FUND
Due to recent federal cuts and funding uncertainty in 2025, United Way of Lancaster County is pledging their own monies to aid in food and shelter needs in Lancaster County. We are asking for donations to our Food & Shelter Fund to fill the ESFP funding gap in the interim.
EMERGENCY FOOD & SHELTER PROGRAM SUPPORTED THROUGH UNITED WAY OF LANCASTER COUNTY’S “FOOD & SHELTER FUND“
For decades, Lancaster County received support through the federally funded Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP), which provided critical assistance to individuals and families facing food and housing insecurity. Since 1983, these grants, administered locally through FEMA, have played a key role in helping nonprofits meet basic human needs in our community.
With recent shifts in federal funding, EFSP dollars are no longer available to Lancaster County. This change has left a significant gap in resources for those most at risk.
In response, United Way of Lancaster County has launched the Food & Shelter Fund, a locally driven initiative created to continue this essential aid work. The fund supports organizations across the county that provide food, emergency shelter, and housing services, helping ensure that our most vulnerable neighbors continue to receive the care and stability they need.
As needs in our community evolve, the Food & Shelter Fund remains responsive and flexible, allowing United Way and its partners to direct resources where they are needed most.
We invite you to join us in this vital effort. Click the button below to make a vital contribution to the fund. Your support helps sustain the safety net Lancaster County depends on.
DONATE NOWWe ask that donations be designated to the category of “Food & Shelter Fund” at this time.
Applications for Food & Shelter Funding:
United Way of Lancaster County is now accepting applications for the Food & Shelter Fund, created to address the urgent and ongoing needs of individuals and families experiencing food and housing insecurity in our community. Local nonprofits and units of government that provide these essential services are encouraged to apply.
Applications are OPEN NOW until Friday, May 2 at 5PM
Eligibility:
Applicants must meet all the following criteria:
- 501(c)3, non-profit agencies or faith-based organizations with a voluntary board in good standing that provides food and/or shelter supports to neighbors in Lancaster County
- Demonstrate the capacity to and are already providing services under each category to which they are applying
- Practice non-discrimination and refrain from requiring participation in religious programs to receive services.
EFSP Funding History for Lancaster County
| Phase 33 | Phase 34 | Phase 35 | Phase 36 | Phase 37 | Phase CARES |
| $186,167 | $197,574 | $208,089 | $223,314 | $208,117 | $329,257 |
| Phase 38 | Phase 39 | Phase ARPA-R | Phase 40 | Phase 41 | Phase 42 |
| $251,000 | $203,881 | $630,148 | $220,680 | $186,192 | — |
Since the beginning of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, the Lancaster County EFSP Local Board has received more than $7 million. These funds have been used to support the great work of local organizations, helping people experiencing food insecurity and/or homelessness, such as Community Action Partnership, Clare House, CrossNet Ministries, Donegal Presbyterian Church, Elizabethtown Community Housing & Outreach Services (ECHOS), Ephrata Area Social Services (EASS), Hands Across the Street, Lancaster County Food Hub, Parish Resource Center, REAL Life Community Services, Tenfold, The Factory Ministries, Solanco Neighborhood Ministries, Spanish American Civic Association (SACA), and YWCA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Food & Shelter Fund replace EFSP?
This fund is a temporary initiative designed to address urgent food and shelter needs in the community while awaiting federal funding from FEMA’s Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) Phase 42. It is supported by community contributions and aims to bridge the gap caused by delays in EFSP funding.
Which programs are supported by the Food & Shelter Fund?
The fund supports programs that:
• Provide emergency food or meals
• Offer housing assistance, shelter, or transitional housing
• Address critical gaps in food and housing services
• Demonstrate a measurable impact and responsiveness to urgent community needs
What is the source of funding?
The Food & Shelter Fund is made possible through generous community donations. These funds are distributed to selected organizations with a proven capacity to provide food and shelter to Lancaster County’s most vulnerable individuals.
How are grant awards determined?
Grants are awarded based on:
• Demonstrated need in the community
• The organization’s capacity to deliver services effectively
• Clarity and strength of the program model
• Expected impact and outcome measurement
• Responsiveness to urgent or unmet needs
Can the grant be used for administrative or staffing costs?
Yes, reasonable administrative and personnel costs that support the delivery of food or shelter services may be included but must be clearly justified in the budget narrative.
If you have any questions please contact Julie Kennedy, Director of Advocacy & Engagement
