Shortfall put at $100,000 for emergency shelter
Morgan Hill – Those that feed and shelter Santa Clara County’s homeless will have to make do with $100,000 less in funding this year.
California’s Emergency Food and Shelter (EFS) Program, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, received nearly $19 million for social service agencies for 2007 – $873,307 of it bound for Santa Clara County. That’s about $100,000 less than last year, said Toni Ensunsa, chair of Santa Clara County’s EFS board.
“The grants have been cut as the years go on,” said Sister Margaret Gregg, the county’s homeless coordinator. “It doesn’t nearly cover the need that the county has, but that’s the situation on all the grants we get now.”
Amid a growing government emphasis on long-term housing programs, emergency relief programs have taken a hit, Ensunsa said. The ultimate goal is getting everyone housed for good, she said, but “immediate need is critical.
“If people need food, they need it now,” Ensunsa said. “If they need a bed to sleep in, they need it today.”
Nationwide, EFS distributes funds based on unemployment claims in each county, said Ensunsa.
Unemployment claims are among the few poverty indicators available nationwide, but the numbers may not reflect the need: People who are no longer eligible for unemployment, or whose unemployment has already run out, aren’t counted toward the total.
To divvy up the funds within the county, a 12-person board, including representatives of the United Way, Red Cross and Salvation Army, will accept applications from local agencies.
Those with a track record of serving the most people – and serving them well – are most likely to garner funds. Past recipients in South County include Saint Joseph’s, the Salvation Army, Saint Stephen’s, and Community Solutions.
Emily Alpert covers public safety issues for The Dispatch. She can be reached at 847-7158 or at ea*****@gi************.com.
