Overview
- FEMA has approved the use of Direct Temporary Housing for Jackson, Marion and Linn counties after reviewing a request from Governor Brown’s office that documented the concentration of damages, the lack of available housing, and the impact to wildfire survivors and the communities they lived in.
- This housing mission will address the shortage of available housing in the counties and provide a bridge to people as they continue to develop a long-term housing strategy.
- This mission is an interim solution to a long-term plan and may include transportable temporary housing units (TTHU). These units can be used for up to 18 months from the date of the disaster declaration (September 15, 2020 through March 15, 2022) while survivors continue to work toward their long-term housing strategy.
- Prior to providing a Direct Housing solution (e.g. TTHU), all reasonable means of providing temporary housing are explored, such as renting an alternate house or apartment on the local market or renting a mobile home or travel trailer privately. In the absence of these resources, a final solution is to approve FEMA Direct Temporary Housing options.
Additional Information
- FEMA understands that housing resources are limited in some areas. FEMA is working closely with the State of Oregon to implement a targeted strategy to provide other forms of temporary housing to best meet the needs of displaced survivors.
- FEMA has been participating in the state-led housing task force since the disaster began and supports the state in a multi-pronged approach to temporarily house displaced survivors. Solutions are tailored to the individual needs and situations of survivors based on how quickly their homes can be repaired to a safe, sanitary, secure condition and the availability of housing options in their communities.
- Implementing Direct Temporary Housing solutions is a process that will take time. Different types of solutions will have different timelines. FEMA is working as quickly as possible with state and local partners to develop strategies to meet the needs of survivors in each community.
- To be eligible for Direct Temporary Housing assistance, Oregon wildfire survivors must register with FEMA and also reside in a county that has been designated for Individual Assistance and approved for Direct Temporary Housing. Damage must be to the primary residence and must be a result of the wildfires.
- Survivors’ continued eligibility for direct housing assistance will be evaluated regularly during occupancy.
- Applicants with access and functional needs will be prioritized for accessible transportable temporary housing units.
- If rental assistance or minor repair money enables a household to return home, survivors may not be eligible for further housing assistance. Eligibility will be determined after survivors apply for assistance at disasterassistance.gov, call 800-621-3362, or use the FEMA app to apply.
- Direct temporary housing solutions are temporary in nature and are not permanent dwellings.
- During a housing mission, federal contractors are managed and monitored by FEMA inspectors. Contractors must adhere to all applicable laws, codes and requirements.
- The state and FEMA are coordinating with municipalities and counties regarding requirements of local ordinances, zoning, transportation requirements, occupancy inspections, setbacks and more.
- The state and FEMA are also coordinating the temporary housing effort with floodplain managers, environmental regulators, historic preservation officers, utility providers and other authorities identified by the state or municipalities.
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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish.)
At any time, applicants with disabilities who may require a reasonable accommodation can ask FEMA staff directly or submit their accommodation request via email to FEMA’s Office of Civil Rights at FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov or by calling FEMA’s Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448).