Emergency Food & Shelter Program

REIMBURSEMENT FOR MIGRANT SUPPORT SERVICES

Mile High United Way is proud to be part of our region’s efforts to welcome migrant families to Metro Denver. That’s why we have applied for funds through the FEMA Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP) to reimburse organizations that are providing support for newcomers.

About the Program

What is EFSP?
Congress created EFSP to help provide funding for food and shelter to local communities to support people in need. The program is governed by a national board that includes representatives from United Way Worldwide, American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, and The Salvation Army. Learn more about EFSP.

How is Mile High United Way involved?
At the request of local and state officials, Mile High United Way applied for EFSP funding to serve as the agency that will reimburse Metro Denver nonprofit organizations for their expenses related to serving migrant families who come to our region.

What expenses are reimbursable?
Reimbursement will be available for three forms of direct services that organizations provide from Jan. 1, 2023, to March 31, 2023:

  1. Food – Food banks that provide direct support and agencies that buy eligible items to support migrants may receive reimbursement from Mile High United Way for items including food, food storage, utensils, basic first aid items, hygiene items, utility expenses, personal protective equipment, maintenance and housekeeping.
  2. Transportation Services – Organizations that provide one-way transportation to migrant families via airplane, bus or train for a distance of more than 25 miles.
  3. Secondary Services – These services include clothing, backpacks, health care and COVID-19 testing, mental health care, legal aid, and translation services. In addition to expense documentation, organizations must document the migrants served, including their alien numbers to receive reimbursement.

Key Dates

Eligible Reimbursement Period:
July 1, 2022 – Feb. 28, 2023

Reimbursement Requests Due to Mile High United Way By:
Mar. 17, 2023

Mile High United Way Submission to Federal EFSP Board:
Apr. 1, 2023

If you are interested in receiving more information or have questions, please contact mhuwgrants@unitedwaydenver.org.