Alternative Housing Options Available
Release Date: December 17, 1998
Release Number: 1257-053
» More Information on Texas Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes
SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- The goal of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (DEM) is to ensure that flood victims get into safe, secure and sanitary, livable housing, as quickly as possible. However, following a disaster many communities often lose much of their available rental housing and other housing options must be explored.
When a community doesn't have enough rental housing available for disaster victims, manufactured housing may be provided as an alternative and temporary option and may include:
- Travel trailers (owned by FEMA)-to be located either at a homeowner's damaged residence site or in an existing travel trailer community;
- Privately rented travel trailers or mobile homes for use as temporary housing for which FEMA may reimburse a disaster victim's rental costs as well as the expense of towing, set up, utility installation and the pad;
- Mobile homes for longer-term temporary housing.
Moving or installing utilities such as gas, power, water and sewer for a travel trailer or mobile home on private property takes an average of five to seven days. Local regulations vary and must be complied with when installing temporary housing funded by FEMA or DEM programs. In some communities mobile home parks have expanded to accommodate more units while other communities are allowing travel trailers or mobile homes to be installed for limited time periods on private property. Individual disaster applicants may be required to obtain local permits in order to place a travel trailer or mobile home on their property.
Individuals who suffered damage to their home or business property in the disaster area are urged first to apply for assistance by calling the toll-free registration number at 1-800-462-9029. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Those who have already applied for assistance and need additional information, should call the Helpline at 1-800-525-0321 (TTY: 1-800-660-8005) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until further notice.
Last Modified: Friday, 16-Jan-2004 11:22:29