The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) plays a crucial role in managing various national emergencies, and a significant aspect of its operations involves providing support during humanitarian crises. One such program, the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), directly addresses the needs of noncitizen migrants arriving in the United States. Funded by congressional appropriations, SSP is a collaborative effort between FEMA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This article delves into how FEMA money is allocated and spent on migrants through the SSP, offering a comprehensive overview for those seeking to understand this critical program.
What is the Shelter and Services Program (SSP)?
The Shelter and Services Program (SSP) is a FEMA initiative created in response to the ongoing challenges at the U.S. borders. Established through congressional directives, specifically within the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, SSP’s primary goal is to provide financial assistance to non-federal entities involved in sheltering and supporting noncitizen migrants. These migrants are individuals who have been processed and released from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) custody, typically after initial encounters at the border.
The fundamental purpose of SSP is to support CBP’s mission to manage the release of noncitizen migrants in a safe, orderly, and humane manner. By providing funding to organizations on the ground, FEMA aims to ensure that migrants have access to necessary shelter and related services as they navigate the initial stages of their arrival in the U.S. This program acknowledges the logistical and humanitarian demands placed on communities and organizations that support migrants after they are released from federal custody.
In Fiscal Year 2024, Congress allocated $650 million for the Shelter and Services Program. This substantial funding underscores the scale and importance of the program in the broader context of federal spending on migration management and humanitarian aid. The funds are distributed through two main funding mechanisms: Allocated (SSP-A) and Competitive (SSP-C).
Who is Eligible for SSP Funding?
The SSP program has distinct eligibility criteria for its two funding components, SSP-A and SSP-C, ensuring that funds are directed to a range of organizations capable of providing essential services.
Allocated (SSP-A)
SSP-A funding is specifically designated for pre-selected entities. These eligible applicants are listed in detail within Section B of the FY24 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for SSP-A. This allocated funding stream is designed to provide direct and immediate support to organizations already identified as key partners in migrant support efforts.
SSP-A allocations for FY24 were distributed in two rounds:
- Round 1: Announced on April 12, 2024.
- Round 2: Announced on August 28, 2024.
This phased approach to SSP-A funding allows for an initial distribution of resources followed by a second round to address ongoing needs and potentially redistribute unclaimed funds from the first round.
Competitive (SSP-C)
SSP-C, on the other hand, is a competitive grant program open to a broader range of applicants. Eligibility for SSP-C is defined in Section C of the FY24 NOFO and includes:
- Local governments: Cities, counties, and other local governmental bodies.
- Indian Tribes: Federally recognized Indian Tribal governments.
- Nonprofit organizations: Organizations with 501(c)(3) status and other eligible non-profits.
- U.S. States, Puerto Rico, District of Columbia: State-level government agencies and entities within these jurisdictions.
The competitive nature of SSP-C ensures that a diverse array of organizations with relevant experience and capacity can apply for and potentially receive funding to support migrant services. Awards for SSP-C in FY24 were also released on August 28, 2024.
How to Apply for SSP Funds (FY24)?
The application windows for both FY 2024 SSP-A and SSP-C are now closed. For those interested in understanding the application process or for future reference, here’s an overview based on the FY24 cycle.
For SSP-A Round 2 funding, recipients who were pre-selected and listed in the amended FY 2024 SSP-A NOFO were required to submit an amendment to their existing FY 2024 SSP-A award through FEMA’s Grants Outcomes System (FEMA GO). The deadline for amendment submission was September 11, 2024.
It is crucial to note that applications and amendments had to be submitted via FEMA GO by the specified deadlines. Detailed information regarding application submission can be found in Section D. Application Submission Information of the amended FY 2024 SSP-A NOFO.
For ongoing updates and future funding opportunities, FEMA encourages interested parties to sign up for their LISTSERV. This service provides information, webinar announcements, and technical assistance related to SSP and other FEMA grant programs.
FEMA SSP Funding Totals: FY23 & FY24
Understanding the scale of Fema Money Spent On Migrants requires examining the total funding allocated to the SSP program over recent fiscal years.
FY 2024 Funding
The total funding available for the Shelter and Services Program in Fiscal Year 2024 was $650 million. This was divided between SSP-A and SSP-C as follows:
SSP-A:
- Round 1: $275 million*
- Round 2: $40.87 million
- Total SSP-A Funding: $300 million
*It’s important to note that unclaimed awards from SSP-A Round 1 were incorporated into the Round 2 funding pool.
SSP-C:
- Total SSP-C Funding: $340.9 million
Detailed award allocations for both SSP-A and SSP-C in FY24 can be viewed on the FEMA website through provided links.
FY 2023 Funding
In Fiscal Year 2023, the SSP program also received significant funding, demonstrating the ongoing federal commitment to supporting migrants. The FY23 funding was structured in tranches:
- Tranche 1: $291 million
- Tranche 2: $77.3 million
- Reserve Funding: $12.2 million
- Total FY23 Funding: $363.8 million
Award allocations for FY23 are also publicly accessible via FEMA’s website. Comparing FY23 and FY24 funding levels highlights the consistent financial resources dedicated to the SSP program to address migrant support needs.
Resources and Further Information
For those seeking more in-depth information about the Shelter and Services Program, FEMA provides a range of resources:
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SSP Grants.gov Webpages: These pages are essential for accessing required templates and documents for SSP applications and program management. The “Related Documents” tab on Grants.gov is where users can find NOFOs, Performance Progress Report Templates, A-Number Templates, and Application Worksheets. It is crucial to use the webpage associated with the specific SSP award of interest.
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SSP Fact Sheets and Guides: FEMA offers fact sheets and guides that provide concise overviews and detailed explanations of various aspects of the SSP program.
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Procurement Information: Guidance on procurement regulations and best practices for SSP recipients is available to ensure compliance and effective use of funds.
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Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Information: Resources related to EHP compliance for projects funded through SSP, ensuring environmental and historical considerations are addressed.
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SSP Information Bulletins: FEMA issues information bulletins to communicate program updates, policy changes, and important announcements to SSP stakeholders.
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Upcoming Webinars: FEMA and CBP conduct webinars to provide technical assistance and information throughout the SSP grant lifecycle. Details on these webinars are communicated to recipients via email and announced publicly through FEMA Grants News.
By providing these comprehensive resources, FEMA aims to ensure that all stakeholders have the necessary information to effectively participate in and benefit from the Shelter and Services Program. This program represents a significant investment of FEMA money spent on migrants, aimed at providing crucial support during their initial resettlement process in the United States.
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It is recommended to consult the official FEMA website and Grants.gov pages for the most current and detailed information regarding the Shelter and Services Program and its funding.
