Emergency Food and Shelter Program

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) was created in 1983 to supplement and expand the work of local social service agencies, both nonprofit and governmental, in an effort to help people with economic emergencies. For 2020, Garland County has been awarded $78,217.

A Local Board made up of representatives from the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, City of Hot Springs, Garland County, Jewish Foundations, Protestant Churches, Salvation Army, and United Way determines how funds awarded to Garland County are to be distributed. The Local Board is convened to select Local Recipient Organizations (LROs) that will provide emergency food and shelter services. 

EFSP funds must be used to supplement feeding, sheltering (including transitional sheltering), and rent/mortgage and utility assistance efforts only. Under the terms of the grant, local agencies chosen to receive funds must:

1. Be private voluntary non -profits or units of government

2. Be eligible to receive federal funds

3. Have an accounting system

4. Practice nondiscrimination

5. Have demostrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs

6. If they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board

Qualifying agencies are urged to apply each year upon notice of the award. Previously, EFSP funds have been distributed with American Red Cross, the Community Service Organization (CSO) Jackson House, St. Luke's Episopal Church, Ouachita Children's Center and Salvation Army.

 
In 2017, EFSP provided rent and utility assistance for 67 families and 1,058 nights of lodging to individuals and families. 
 
In 2018, EFSP provided rent and/or utlitity assistance for 103 individuals and/or families

In 2019, EFSP provided rent and/or utilitiy assistance for 126 individuals and/or familes. 

The LROs chosen in 2020 or Garland County are:

The LROs chosen in 2020 for Hot Spring County are:

The LRO chosen in 2020 for Polk County is: