FEMA/HUD Program Helps Families Find New Homes
Release Date: December 16, 2005
Release Number: 1605-137
» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Katrina
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- A new housing program to help displaced victims of Hurricane Katrina get settled anywhere in the United States should make a difference to many individuals and families who still need permanent, long-term housing.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide housing for people in one of three categories: those who received rental assistance under the Section 8 voucher program, those who lived in public housing or some other HUD-assisted property, or those who were homeless before the disaster.
The new program, called the Katrina Disaster Housing Assistance Program (KDHAP), is funded by FEMA. It will permit displaced Katrina victims to re-settle anywhere they choose in the United States or to return to their home state as housing is repaired and rebuilt.
KDHAP provides up to 18 months of rental assistance beginning from the date of the official disaster declaration on August 29, 2005. Individuals and families who think they are eligible must first register with FEMA by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. They must call and register no later than December 31, 2005 to be considered for KDHAP. The amount of rental assistance given by KDHAP is up to 100 percent of the fair market rental rates for the area indicated.
Property owners and landlords are encouraged to support the program by making their vacant units available to these families. Units can be listed with the local housing authority. To register with the KDHAP program, contact their Referral Call Center at 866-373-9509.
Last Modified: Monday, 19-Dec-2005 09:59:07