Congressman Cohen Announces $320,202 for Emergency Food and Shelter in Shelby Co.

“The economic crisis has caused an increase unemployment, homelessness and hunger across the United States,” said Congressman Cohen. “These funds will help our most vulnerable citizens weather this storm by providing emergency food and shelter to those in need. Assisting our impoverished citizens has always been one of my highest priorities as the Representative of the 9th District in Congress, and that’s one of the reasons I believe that passing the ARRA was so important. This vital legislation has already pumped millions of dollars into our community and will continue to do so, and I am proud to have supported it.”

EFSP uses measures of unemployment and poverty to allocate the funds it receives from FEMA to city and county jurisdictions around the country. ESFP’s objectives are to allocate funds to the neediest areas; to ensure fast response; to foster public-private sector partnerships; to ensure local decision-making; and to maintain minimal but accountable reporting.

EFSP funds can be used for a broad range of services, including:

• Mass shelter,
• Mass feeding,
• Food distribution through food pantries and food banks,
• One-month assistance with rent, mortgage and utility payments to prevent evictions, and
• Transition assistance from shelters to stable living conditions.

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Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, 202-225-3265
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, 202-225-3265