The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Texas Division of Emergency Management has announced that the governor’s request for a four-month extension to the Direct Assistance provided for temporary housing has been granted for eligible hurricane Ike individuals and families. The program originally slated to end March 12 has been extended until July 9.

 “This extension will allow remaining survivors still living in FEMA-provided housing more time to complete the successful transition into permanent housing,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Tony Russell. “We are making every effort ... by assisting individuals and families as they determine long-term housing solutions to fulfill their needs.”

In response to hurricane Ike, 3,700 temporary housing units (mobile homes and park models) were provided to Texas residents.

Currently between 800-900 units still remain in use.

“This extension should provide the extra time some might need to complete repairs or reconstruction of their homes,” added State Coordinating Officer Ben Patterson. “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.”

Under FEMA policy, extensions in temporary housing assistance beyond eighteen 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 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 solutions, 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 states, including tribal territories, local governments, and voluntary organizations for the sole purpose of providing temporary housing to eligible applicants.

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 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY (hearing imparied) call 1-800-462-7585.