YUBA CITY — A federal funding pause has indefinitely left $130 million on maintain for emergency meals and shelter packages throughout the US.
A mixed $115,000 between Yuba and Sutter counties is on a freeze, creating issues for roughly 15 organizations that concentrate on meals and shelter, just like the Yuba-Sutter Meals Financial institution.
“Meals banks throughout the board are struggling financially on account of the federal pause,” mentioned Maria Ball, the meals financial institution’s government director.
The Federal Emergency Administration Company’s (FEMA) emergency food and shelter program has put a maintain on federal funds throughout the nation.
The Yuba-Sutter-Colusa United Way organization often distributes the funds regionally, however they obtained an e mail in late January saying the funds weren’t coming but, and it is unclear when they may.
“That cash for our smaller nonprofits right here regionally, is a giant chunk of their funds,” mentioned Rick Millhollin, chair of the Yuba-Sutter-Colusa United Manner board.
The cash was already allotted to native organizations final yr and plenty of already budgeted for it.
The e-mail cites the emergency meals and shelter program is being reviewed inside FEMA to make sure it complies with current government orders and U.S. Division of Homeland Safety pointers.
“We’re simply sort of hoping that the present administration simply will get by this so we are able to get our funding again as a result of there’s not loads of fraud, waste and abuse when persons are attempting to place meals on individuals’s tables,” Ball mentioned.
Millhollin mentioned that after 18 years within the area, he is by no means seen this system’s funding on maintain.
“It has extra of a domino impact than most individuals understand,” he mentioned, “and the toughest factor to do is to cease a venture and restart it if it is placed on maintain for a sure period of time.”
Ball, displaying us the empty cabinets within the meals financial institution, mentioned, “When funding is the place it must be, these cabinets proper listed below are filled with pallets of meals. As you may see, it is trying a bit of imply and lean on the market.”
The Yuba-Sutter Meals Financial institution is struggling to maintain up with demand to distribute meals to its 35,000 guests per 30 days and its 50 companion businesses.
“Our position is the meals mover. We’re right here to obtain these donations and get that funding so we are able to buy the meals and get it out to the individuals,” Ball mentioned.
We reached out to United Manner Worldwide, FEMA, and the emergency meals and shelter program for remark however did not hear again.
Different organizations impacted by the funding freeze embrace the Salvation Military and Palms of Hope. It is unclear when the pause can be lifted.
