Central Coast counties receive more than half a million dollars in grants

More than half a million dollars in grants will go toward improving homelessness and other issues on the Central Coast.

Today Congressman Jimmy Panetta announced Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties received $511,779 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) for local social service agencies to offer food, housing and utility assistance for those in need. Specifically, Monterey County received $298,982, San Benito County received $35,317, and Santa Cruz County received $177,480.

“These grants help local organizations provide our neighbors in need with a roof over their heads and food on the table,” said Congressman Panetta. “By working directly with local service agencies who work to combat homelessness and hunger, the federal government is better able to serve our communities.”

EFSP funds are used to supplement food, shelter, rent, mortgage, and utility assistance programs for people with non-disaster related emergencies.