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Hurricane Ike Information and Resources

IKE TEMPORARY HOUSING UNIT PROGRAM EXTENDED

On Dec. 18, 2009, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted Governor Rick Perry’s request for a four-month extension to the Temporary Disaster Housing Unit program for eligible Hurricane Ike survivors. The program was originally slated to end March 12, 2010, but has been extended until July 9, 2010.

The extension allows storm survivors still living in FEMA-provided housing up to four additional months to complete their successful transition into permanent housing. We are making every effort to support the state by assisting individuals and families as they determine their long-term housing solutions.

The extension provides extra time that some might need to complete repairs or reconstruction of their homes. Families may continue to live in the units as long as they remain eligible and can show that they are making progress toward their permanent housing.

More than 3,700 temporary housing units (mobile homes and park models) were provided to Texas residents after the hurricane. Currently, 742 units still remain in use.

Under FEMA policy, extensions in temporary housing assistance beyond 18 months may include the collection of rent from those survivors still residing in temporary housing units. No rent will be collected before the beginning of the extension period.

Any rent that is collected will be based on a combination of factors, including the financial ability of each household as determined on a case-by-case basis, and will not exceed the community based fair market rental rates as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

FEMA will work closely with the state in the coming weeks to determine how best to implement this extension in a way that meets the shared goal of helping survivors move into safe, permanent housing, including determining the details and timetable of rent collection.

FEMA continues to provide eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase their temporary housing unit through a sales program. FEMA also continues to offer a donation program to the state, local governments, and voluntary organizations for the sole purpose of providing temporary housing to eligible applicants.

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