**Ecumenical Hunger Program will provide $2M to local families​through expanded safety net programs**

East Palo Alto, CA – July 12, 2022: – The Ecumenical Hunger Program (EHP) is excited to announce the roll-out of expanded safety-net programs that will provide $2 million in direct assistance to our neighbors-in-need over a two-year period starting in July 2022. 
Due to the generosity of donors in the local community, EHP has received a surplus in funding. The organization has essentially been raising money faster than could be spent due to an incredible community response coupled with operational limitations directly related to COVID.
We realized that we were in an extremely fortunate position, but we also realized the challenges of scope as it related to programs and distribution of resources.  Executive leadership and the Board of Directors responded accordingly and came together to assess the real time and rapidly changing needs of our local families and created a Safety-Net Resource Distribution Strategic Plan.  We knew, that in order to create the greatest impact, and to truly move our clients toward a path of self-sufficiency, we could not simply throw money at existing programs.  The result will be carefully designed programs with one-on-one case management, that will allow us to slow the revolving door of need.
EHP will continue to provide its foundational programs which include direct food resources, clothing, household essentials, safety-net resources for youth and special holiday distributions, back-to-school distributions and other seasonal programs.  But along with these programs, EHP will create customized and multifaceted strategies for individual clients in the form of in-kind resources, direct financial assistance and case management.  Programs will include but will not be limited to housing, food resources for those with special needs, prescriptions, utilities, gas, vehicle repairs, critical home repairs, critical medical supplies not covered by insurance, essential school supplies for children including technology, and more.  
We are humbled by the generosity of our donors and excited to see the tremendous growth of our programs, the widening of a critical safety-net, which we hope will create a lasting impact in the lives of our neighbors in need.
About EHP
Founded in 1975 and based in East Palo Alto, CA, EHP’s mission is to provide compassionate, dignified and practical assistance to families and individuals experiencing economic and personal hardship.  We offer material help, support services, and advocacy for our neighbors in need, in a challenging and rapidly changing environment.
As a community, EHP works to meet the needs of its neighbors, both material and intangible.  Our goal is to be more than just a social service agency that connects people to resources.  We strive to build relationships that allow us to encourage, support and nourish individuals and families through difficult times.  We fully understand the importance of providing life's essentials but aspire to a wider focus:  the creation of a community of support that can provide hope to replace despair.​
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Media Contact:
Lesia Preston
[email protected]
(650) 323-7781
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