At the state’s request, FEMA extended the deadline for its temporary housing program beyond its 18-month mandate. An agreement was reached with the state to charge $50 monthly rent to occupants of agency-provided housing, effective March 1 through May 15, 2018:
- The decision currently affects less than 1,500 households still recovering from the August 2016 flood.
- The number of occupants continues to decline daily, ahead of the deadline. At the peak of the program, there were more than 12,000 occupants in 4,600 eligible households licensed into FEMA housing.
FEMA recognizes that flood survivors are consistently making great progress and deserve to be commended for their hard work.Continuing those efforts is strongly encouraged, regardless of the additional time provided to return home.
Housing program eligibility—and continued occupancy—is determined on a monthly basis for homeowners and on a bi-weekly basis for renters. Occupants must show they are making continuing progress on their permanent housing plan.
Occupants can show long-term housing plan progress if they:
- Decide whether to repair or rebuild the pre-disaster home, find and purchase a new residence, or find and lease an available rental unit;
- Provide evidence of progress—such as invoices for repairs or a lease for a new home—or any cause for delays;
- Achieve long-term housing plan goals in a reasonable time frame;
- Fulfill requests to communicate and meet with FEMA case managers.
Case managers work with housing occupants to:
- Ensure housing plans are realistic and achievable within their financial resources and other means;
- Monitor progress towards reaching survivors’ goals;
- Advocate for the survivor.
FEMA may revoke an occupant’s eligibility if they do not:
- Demonstrate a long-term housing plan;
- Violate any part of the license agreement;
- Do not cooperate with FEMA during any scheduled meetings.
Occupants of FEMA-provided housing understand that if repairs make the damaged dwelling safe, sanitary and functional they may return home while final details and cosmetic work is completed.
Housing occupants should call their caseworker or the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 if they have questions or are ready to move out. Those who use TTY should call 800-462-7585. Survivors who use 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362.