FEMA Travel Trailer Occupants Must be Recertified 

Release Date: February 2, 2006
Release Number: 1605-174

» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Katrina

MONTGOMERY , Ala. -- Officials with the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have begun the process in Alabama to review the eligibility of Alabamians living in FEMA travel trailers.

FEMA and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency will continue to assist Alabamians with their housing needs, leasing occupants into travel trailers. In order to continue to occupy a temporary housing unit, residents must make an ongoing effort to obtain permanent housing at the earliest possible date and accept adequate alternate housing when it becomes available.

Evacuees and displaced residents must develop and pursue a permanent housing plan while staying in FEMA-provided temporary housing. Renters should contact their previous landlords to find out if or when they will be permitted to move back into their previous dwelling. Homeowners should follow-up with contractors on the progress of home repair/rebuilding work.

FEMA disaster recovery specialists can refer those with special needs to state programs and voluntary agencies. Disaster victims with no housing options will be given information to help them find available lodging.

"Travel trailers represent a short term housing solution during the repair and rebuilding phase," said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael Bolch. "Once repairs are completed, people can return to longer term housing arrangements."

More than $84 million in the form of rental assistance and home repairs has been distributed to Alabamians affected by the Hurricane Katrina.

Those who have secured alternative housing and who need additional funds must request that assistance through the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired. They will be asked to show that they have a continued housing need and have expended all rental funds previously received. FEMA housing personnel will regularly follow-up on the efforts of residents of the travel trailers to obtain permanent housing. This information will assist in determining recertification for staying in a travel trailer. Recertification is the process by which FEMA reviews plans for permanent housing.

Last Modified: Thursday, 02-Feb-2006 11:11:25