Comprehensive Transitional Housing Assistance Program for Katrina Evacuees
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced a series of measures to accelerate the delivery of Federal assistance and provide transitional housing for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Together, these Federal programs will help all displaced individuals and families obtain needed stability, while providing them with flexible housing options as the country works to rebuild communities throughout the Gulf Coast region.
"Our goal is to use existing resources in an innovative way to help all displaced individuals and families move from temporary shelters to more stable, safe and sufficient housing," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "Through this coordinated effort, the Federal government is taking quick and immediate action to cut through red tape and deliver immediate assistance to evacuees."
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will expedite housing assistance to all evacuees unable to meet immediate housing needs with combined efforts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Evacuees from the hardest-hit portions of Alabama , Mississippi and Louisiana generally fall into four distinct types of households: previous homeowners, renters, individuals who lived in public housing, and those who were homeless prior to the hurricane. Evacuees must register through FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA, (1-800-462-7585 TTY), or applying online at www.fema.gov/assistance/register.shtm for Federal disaster assistance. It is important that individuals and households promptly update their FEMA registration information with any change of address or new telephone numbers so they may receive assistance in a timely and direct manner. (More Information)
Last Modified: Tuesday, 01-May-2007 16:33:39 EDT