WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today announced $462,701 in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the United Way of Greater New Haven. The funding is part of the Emergency Food and Shelter (EFS) program, which will help feed and shelter the nation’s hungry and homeless people in 2005.

“Providing emergency assistance with food and shelter to those in need is important throughout the year, but is particularly important during the winter season,” said DeLauro. “When the temperature drops, it is essential to get the homeless in from the cold, and assist needy individuals with the rising cost of home heating.”

The United Way of Greater New Haven administers the EFS Program in New Haven County. In 2004, the United Way distributed $414,860 in FEMA to agencies that assist individuals and families in need of food, shelter, rent/mortgage assistance, and utility assistance.

“We’re pleased to work with community volunteers and local agencies to get vital basic support to our most vulnerable citizens and thank Congresswoman DeLauro for her leadership in ensuring that these dollars continue to come back to the New Haven region. This critical funding will mean that more families can feed their children, heat their homes and remain stable”, said Hart Caparulo, President and Chief Professional Officer, United Way of Greater New Haven.

Since 1983, the EFS Program disbursed over $2 billion to social service agencies in more than 2,500 cities and counties across the country. EFS funds are used to supplement food, shelter, rent, mortgage and utility assistance programs for people with non-disaster related emergencies.