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Emergency Food & Shelter

Combating hunger and homelessness
Two people carrying boxes of supplies.

What is it?

The Los Angeles County Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP) funds the work of local organizations providing safe, affordable housing and nutritious food. Grantees have used these funds to expand shelter services, offer rental assistance, and bring healthy food to families. EFSP is a federal program overseen by a local board of nonprofits and government organizations and administered by the United Way of Greater Los Angeles.

What’s the impact?

Since its inception in 1983, we’ve helped distribute over $200 million in EFSP funding to organizations across L.A. County.

Who is the local board?

The Los Angeles EFSP board is charged with the oversight of the grant program and sets priorities every grant cycle. We are thankful for their service and partnership!

Board members include:

  • Monsignor Gregory Cox, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of LA
  • Mark Fender, Grants Manager of Center for the Pacific Asian Family
  • Michael Graff-Weisner, VP Programs & Government Relations of Chrysalis Center
  • Tim Nistler, Food Pantry Program Director of Ecumenical Council of Pasadena Area Churches
  • Andrew Pollack, VP Board of Directors of Food Pantry LAX
  • Maggie Rodriguez, Executive Administrator of Homeless Health Care LA
  • Kelly Evans, Supervising Staff Attorney of Homeless Prevention Law Project
  • Frank Tamborello, Executive Director of Hunger Action LA
  • Amanda Benders, Senior Director of Jewish Family Services
  • Leticia Colchado, CEO of LA County Homeless Initiative
  • *Robert Boller, Director of Programs of Project Angel Food
  • Nikky Viola, Senior Project Manager of Shelter Partnership
  • Pamela Dong, Divisional Strategic Mission Director of The Salvation Army of Southern California
  • Emily Bradley, Director of Strategic Investments of United Way of Greater Los Angeles
  • Amber Roth, Executive Director of Worker Education and Resource Center *Board Chair

How can I get involved?

Learn more about funding opportunities, eligibility, and the application processes, or sign up to receive program updates.

Explore other ways we’re supporting people in crisis