Emergency Needs Committee

Coordinated by United Way of the Lakeshore, the Emergency Needs Committee focuses on improving the systems and services designed to provide direct support for basic needs. Members of non-profits, government agencies and the faith-based community meet bi-monthly to identify emerging needs and advocate for strategies to provide solutions for our residents facing a crisis. A basic needs crisis is defined as being at-risk of or lacking food, shelter, utilities or clothing.

The Emergency Needs Committee serves as the local board to oversee Emergency Food and Shelter funds from the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP).

Subcommitttees of the Emergency Needs Committee are:

• Case Management Committee meets bi-monthly to discuss specific cases and ways to better empower people facing self-sufficiency issues. Provides updates and insight on the challenges/objects of welfare-to-work families.

• Emergency Food/ Pantries Committee meets bi-monthly to coordinate the food drives in the community, the food mobiles throughout the County, meal sites and times, holiday meals and food assistance programs. The committee consists of food pantry providers, meal sites, the Department of Human Services, and other social service providers and faith-based organizations that provide assistance.