As a result of Hurricane Florence, rental resources are not available in some communities for displaced residents. Based upon the needs identified by the State of North Carolina, FEMA is providing two forms of Direct Temporary Housing Assistance in 10 counties: Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Duplin, Jones, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender and Robeson:
- Travel Trailers provide a timely, effective interim solution for most households with a high degree of confidence that repairs to their home can be completed in less than a year, ideally within six months.
- Manufactured Housing Units (MHUs) provide a longer-term solution for survivors whose repairs will take longer to complete due to greater degree of damage.
To be considered for placement in a unit, North Carolina residents who sustained losses from Hurricane Florence must register with FEMA and stay in touch to make sure FEMA has up-to-date contact information.
- There are several ways to do this: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app, call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or VRS), or 800-462-7585 (TTY) or visit a disaster recovery center (DRC). To find a center go to: fema.gov/DRC. In-person American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are available by request by calling or texting 202-655-8824. To access a video in American Sign Language, go online to www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/172199
FEMA contacts households that may qualify for a travel trailer or MHU to conduct a pre-placement interview to determine whether the applicant needs direct housing and, if so, what type of housing. This determination is based on the size and needs of the household, including any people with disabilities or other access or functional needs.
For eligible applicants, FEMA may be able to place a unit on their property. FEMA must ensure the site is compliant with applicable building codes, environmental laws and floodplain regulations. If that is not possible, FEMA will lease pads in commercial parks.
Once a site is determined feasible, FEMA will issue a work order to have a unit delivered and installed at the site. The installation process includes:
- Placement
- Anchoring of the unit
- Utilities hookup
- Compliance with local permitting
The State of North Carolina and FEMA are coordinating with municipalities and counties regarding local ordinances, permitting, zoning, transportation requirements, setbacks, utility connections and inspections. Once installation of the unit is complete, an occupancy inspection will take place. When the unit passes inspection, it is ready for occupancy. At that point, the applicant will sign a license-in agreement to occupy the unit.
FEMA specialists work closely with displaced survivors on their housing needs and keep them up-to-date on program details and deadlines with face-to-face meetings, phone calls and letters. Housing program eligibility—and continued occupancy—is determined on a regular schedule for homeowners and renters. To remain eligible, occupants must show they are making continuing progress on their permanent housing plan.
Direct housing is temporary. These units are not permanent dwellings.
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