Housing Storm Victims Is Femas Top Agenda
Release Date: December 3, 2004
Release Number: 1539-297
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- More than 9,800 Florida households left homeless by this season’s devastating hurricane are now in safe and secure temporary quarters provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
FEMA has arranged for 9,821 travel trailers and mobile homes to be relocated to Florida’s hardest-hit areas, with another 2,566 units ready for deployment throughout the state. Additional units are on the way.
One of the more innovative steps taken by FEMA and Florida’s State Emergency Response Team (SERT) was the creation of a new type of sheltering park called “Emergency Group Sites” (EGS). EGS are quickly created travel trailer/mobile home parks accommodating from 10 to 200 manufactured housing units. There are currently 13 EGS in operation.
Additionally, 11 mobile home parks have been built or are currently in the process of being built.
To date, a total of 1,160,914 storm victims have applied for federal and state disaster aid. Of that number, more than 756,200 damaged properties were inspected, resulting in more than 261,600 applicants found eligible for housing assistance. That assistance may consist of temporary housing financial assistance, home repair assistance, or direct assistance in the form of travel trailers and mobile homes.
FEMA, SERT, Florida State University and Florida realtor organizations partnered to create a new Web site to assist landlords and potential tenants with their rental needs. That Web site, www.DHRonline.org, currently lists more than 23,000 housing resources.
Another means of assisting with housing is the recently created Florida Hurricane Housing Hotline, 1-888-472-1727. The Hotline is available every day, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Eastern time.
First and foremost, every resident within the state of Florida who sustained storm damage from this season’s hurricanes – Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne – should register for federal and state disaster assistance.
Those who have not registered may do so by calling FEMA’s toll-free registration line, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Individuals with hearing- and/or speech-impairment should call TTY 1-800-462-7585.
Florida citizens are encouraged to look around their community for others who may not have access to newspaper, radio or television, and inform them of the importance of registering for disaster aid with FEMA.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Monday, 06-Dec-2004 09:22:02