The Emergency Food and Shelter Program was established in 1983 to supplement the work of local social service organizations within the United States to help people in need of emergency assistance. This collaborative effort between the private and public sectors has provided more than $3.9 billion in Federal funds during its 31-year history. The amount of funding the EFSP administers to communities throughout the nation is dependent on multiple factors, including the local unemployment rate.
United Way of Merced County administered over $220,000 to the following local organizations through the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program:
Bethel Community Food Pantry provides emergency food boxes, hot meals, references to alternative service providers and other services as necessary to poverty level families; children; senior citizens; homeless and special needs people in Los Banos and Dos Palos.
Bible Christian Church Nineveh Outreach
This program primarily serves farm workers and their families in Le Grand and Planada. With the goal of improving access to healthier foods, each site distributes 120 pounds of fresh fruit and produce, meat, milk and other dietary staples to 1250 families each month.
Provides food pantry bags, clothing, DMV ID Vouchers, and diapers to low-income families 5 days a week Monday – Friday, as well as mortgage/rental assistance and utility assistance.
Operates a low-barrier Navigation Center which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provides 3 meals daily.
Provides once-a-month emergency food boxes targeting residents of South Merced. Distributes lunches to persons experiencing homelessness six days per week.
Offers emergency food for families in Atwater and Winton.
The nexus that acquires, stores and distributes food, playing a critical role in maintaining and improving the health of our community’s low-income and food insecure populations. MCFB serves about 17,000 people each month in Merced and Mariposa Counties.
Operates 10 locations in Merced and Los Banos which provide 3 meals a day to people in need, primarily individuals experiencing homelessness.
Runs Breakfast at Sally’s which serves a hot breakfast Tuesday through Thursday from 7:00 am-8:30 am. Attendees are primarily homeless, but include low-income individuals, seniors and people in transition. Average monthly attendance is 3,100 people.
Sierra Saving Grace Homeless Project
This program provides hotel/motel stays for individuals or families who need immediate shelter due to homelessness, domestic violence or lack of alternative bed availability.
Alliance for Community Transformations — Valley Crisis Center
Valley Crisis Center provides emergency shelter to victims of domestic violence and their families in Merced County. While residing at the shelter, families receive intensive case management, advocacy, assistance finding permanent housing, counseling services, and legal assistance.