Emergency Food and Shelter Program

The federally-funded Emergency Food and Shelter Program provides assistance for food, utilities and shelter to individuals and families in emergency situations who meet the federal eligibility guidelines. United Way of Long Island administers the program for the Long Island region.

Last year, 20 local nonprofit community partner organizations helped distribute $1,235,000 in emergency aid to Long Islanders in need. United Way of Long Island does not distribute the money directly to individuals, but partners with participating organizations and agencies.

Where to Turn for Help
The Federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program is currently closed.  2011 federal funding has not yet been appropriated.  Households in need of emergency assistance may visit United Way’s information database at www.211longisland.org to search for resources or contact the Dept. of Social Service. Thank you.

Emergency Food and Shelter News, February 2010
Even as Suffolk County struggles with swelling welfare rolls and a growing homeless population, about $1 million in federal funds for Suffolk soup kitchens, homeless shelters and other anti-poverty charities has vanished.

Along with other services, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program last year gave Suffolk money for 120,000 soup kitchen meals, bought $530,000 in groceries for food pantries and provided $583,000 to help hundreds of families pay their rent and make house payments. Read more...