United Way is a partner of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which provides support for local needs through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) in Monroe, Owen, and Greene counties. These federal funds are appropriated by Congress and made available through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Key sector representatives evaluate applications and make funding decisions.
A Local Board made up of representatives from the City of Bloomington, United Way of South Central Indiana, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, the Bloomington Jewish Community, Catholic Charities, IU Health Bloomington, South Central Community Action Program, the Monroe County Commissioners, the Greene County Foundation, and Owen County Court services, will determine how funds awarded to Greene, Monroe, and Owen County will be distributed among local emergency food and shelter programs.
Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local organizations chosen to receive funds must:
- be private voluntary non-profits or units of government;
- have an accounting system;
- practice nondiscrimination;
- have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs;
- have a voluntary board of directors if a private non-profit organization; and
- be eligible to receive federal funds.