Price's Subcommittee Protected Critical Services during an Economic Recession

Washington, D.C. - Congressman David Price (D-NC) today announced $6.2 million in total funding for North Carolina to help prevent homelessness, and feed and shelter the nation's hungry and homeless. As Chairman of the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Price worked to reject the Bush Administration's proposed cut to FEMA's Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) and bolster funding for this essential program.

Recognizing the importance of supporting emergency food and shelter programs during a recession, Price's subcommittee increased the allocation to the states by 31% for the current fiscal year. Funding for local services in North Carolina increased by $1.4 million from last year. Federal funds are used to supplement food, shelter, rent, mortgage and utility assistance programs for people experiencing non-disaster related emergencies.

"Many families in our communities are in dire straights during this economic recession," Price said. "In times of crisis, they turn to emergency food and shelter services, which puts a strain on our local providers, many of whom are already making do with fewer private donations. It is vital for the government to help maintain a safety net for the most vulnerable among us."

"The ESFP has an extraordinary history of providing food and shelter for families over the past twenty-five years," said FEMA Administrator David Paulison, "but there is now an unprecedented demand on our shelters from the newest population in need – the working poor. I am grateful a program like this exists for families struggling to make ends meet even after the paycheck runs out."

The President proposed only $100 million for the program (a 35% cut) in the budget proposal he introduced in February, but Price and his subcommittee insisted that a cut to these services was exactly the opposite of what our troubled economy required. The final allocation for FEMA's Emergency Food and Shelter Program this year was $200 million, up from last year's $153 million.

Locally, Wake County is receiving $469,095 from the program. Durham County is allocated $155,927, and Orange County will receive $64,864.

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 Boards generally include representatives from local governments and service groups such as the Red Cross, Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army, and United Way.

Program funds are used to provide the following services:

• Food, in the form of served meals or groceries

• Lodging in a mass shelter or hotel

• One month's rent, mortgage, and/or utility bill payment

• Transportation costs associated with the provision of food or shelter

• Minimal repairs to mass feeding or sheltering facilities for building code violations or for handicapped accessibility

• Supplies and equipment necessary to feed or shelter people, up to a $300 limit per item

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