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Commissioner seeks board support for United Way letter on delayed federal Emergency Food and Shelter reimbursements
Summary
Commissioner Pournier asked the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners to support a United Way request that federal reimbursements under the Emergency Food and Shelter Program be released promptly and that FEMA provide a written status update and timeline.
At the work session Commissioner Pournier updated the board on disruptions to grants and reimbursements under the federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), and requested that county staff coordinate with United Way and the local EFSP board to support an outreach letter to members of Congress.
Pournier said United Way and local nonprofits have already contacted some federal offices but have not consistently reached the delegation members whose districts include affected providers. "My idea ... was maybe the board could offer a letter, to Marilyn Strickland to kind of inform her of what's going on," Pournier said, referring to U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland, whose district includes parts of Thurston and Mason counties.
Pournier asked that the county request a written update from FEMA on the status of current reimbursements and a projected timeline; request immediate release of approved reimbursements for phases 39–41 (including expenses incurred as early as November 2021); and support prompt disbursement of phase 42 funds. She said local nonprofits have already spent funds expecting federal reimbursement and that small organizations such as food banks and senior centers could be significantly affected.
County management and other commissioners suggested that United Way should send the initial letter to the delegation and then the county could provide a separate letter of support. The county manager recommended coordinating with County Counsel and United Way staff so the final outreach is consistent and accurate. Pournier and the chair said they would work with United Way and staff to finalize draft language quickly because of the upcoming summer recess.
Ending
Staff agreed to coordinate with United Way and with congressional offices and to provide a draft letter that could be reviewed and, if appropriate, signed by the chair on behalf of the board. Commissioners asked that the draft be circulated quickly so it can be posted to the agenda or otherwise submitted before the recess.
