WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) today announced $2,710,244 in new federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the state’s Emergency Food and Shelter program, which helps provide shelter, food and supportive services for homeless and other individuals in need.  The recently enacted economic recovery law provided the funding for these grants.  The funding is distributed by county and used to support social service agencies that provide a broad range of services to residents in need.

    “In these tough economic times, families across New Jersey are struggling.  These funds are a welcome step to help New Jerseyans with emergency food, shelter and other critical needs,” Sen. Lautenberg said.

    The Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program was created in 1983 to supplement the work of local social service organizations within the United States to help people in need of emergency assistance.  At least 17,000 New Jersey men, women and children are known to be homeless, according to the Star Ledger  (10/7/08).
 
    The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (economic recovery law) is intended to create or save more than 3.5 million jobs, including 100,000 in New Jersey.  In addition, this new law includes approximately $7 billion in essential tax relief for New Jerseyans.  More information is available online.

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