Nearly $400,000 in federal support for food, emergency shelters and homeless prevention services has been awarded to 28 non-profits and municipalities in Hartford County, according to United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.?? 

United Way administers the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) and facilitates the Local Board of Hartford County, a group of community volunteers that determine allocations of funds within federal guidelines.?? 

“Inflation and the complex economic landscape are financially crippling so many across our community. Since last fall, homelessness spiked 13 percent as people struggle to keep up with the rising cost of living,” said Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.?? 

EFSP funds help supplement the work of local social service organizations and municipalities to support people in need of emergency assistance, such as: emergency shelters, food distributed through Connecticut Foodshare and homeless prevention services through rent, mortgage and/or utility assistance.??? 

“These federal funds are crucial as municipalities and community partners continue to close housing gaps and create opportunities for people to access and maintain safe, stable shelter,” added Harrison. ??? 

Emergency Food and Shelter Funds will support the services of the following non-profits and municipalities:?? 

Emergency Shelter Support ($236,300):??? 

Homeless Prevention: Rent/Mortgage and Utility Assistance ($141,000):?? 

Homeless Prevention: Food ($77,000):??