Every year, Larimer County receives federal funds through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Manage Agency (FEMA) under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP) and United Way of Larimer County is responsible for the local distribution of this funding. This year, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021(ARPA-R) was also included in the funding and the annual award was over $646,000.

Local nonprofit agencies were eligible to apply for this funding through United Way of Larimer County for these funds if their programs support food, shelter, and utility assistance. The funds help to supplement and expand these existing programs and support individuals and families across Larimer County.

A local board of community members determine the recommendation of agencies to receive EFSP funding. These members represented several organizations, including; United Way, City of Fort Collins, City of Loveland, American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Food Bank for Larimer County, Alternatives to Violence, Neighbor to Neighbor, Family Housing Network, Estes Park Nonprofit Resource Center, The Salvation Army, Interfaith Council, The Jewish Federations of North America, and the community at large.

“This is a great example of the ‘behind-the-scenes’ work that United Way of Larimer County does to help address community needs,” said Lauren Leary, Vice President of Impact at United Way of Larimer County. “Our program staff take on the heavy lift of the EFSP application and distribution process to ensure these federal funds are put to the best possible use in our local communities.”

The following organizations were awarded EFSP and/or ARPA-R funding:

Total EFSP funds: $158,012
Total ARPA-R funds: $488,379