WASHINGTON, DC -- In an effort to help local communities reduce homelessness, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that Rhode Island will receive a $543,321 Emergency Food and Shelter (EFS) grant to support social service agencies in Providence and communities across the state. EFS grant funds, appropriated annually under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, are used to supplement food, shelter, rent, mortgage, and utility assistance programs for people with non-disaster related emergencies.

In 2005-2006, Rhode Island shelters served 6,889 homeless people, including 1,378 children.

"I am pleased that Rhode Island is receiving this Emergency Food and Shelter grant to help prevent and reduce homelessness across the state," said Reed, who authored the bipartisan Community Partnership to End Homelessness Act, which would reauthorize the landmark McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987. "The tough economy and lack of affordable housing are making it difficult for many people to keep their homes and feed their families. This infusion of federal funding will allow nonprofits and other local organizations to supplement and expand ongoing efforts to provide food, shelter, and critical support services to Rhode Islanders in need."

Since the inception of the EFS program twenty-five years ago, more than $3.1 billion in federal aid has been disbursed through the program.

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program provides supplemental funds to nearly 12,000 agencies for the prevention of homelessness and the provision of other food and shelter services. The program is administered by a National Board of voluntary agencies chaired by FEMA, which qualifies jurisdictions for annual EFS funding awards based on criteria involving current population, unemployment, and poverty levels. Grants are awarded to non-profit community and government organizations that are chosen by local boards in the eligible jurisdictions.