FEMA Authorizes Hotel or Motel Assistance for Occupants of FEMA Temporary Housing Units 

Release Date: September 5, 2007
Release Number: HQ-07-182

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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently issued Emergency Lodging Assistance (ELA) guidance that allows assistance to occupants of FEMA-provided temporary housing units who ask to be moved because of health concerns associated with their units. FEMA temporary housing units include travel trailers, park models and mobile homes.

Under the new Emergency Lodging Assistance guidance, FEMA will provide assistance to individuals and households to stay at a hotel or motel for an initial 30 days or until more appropriate housing is located. Extensions can be authorized on a case-by-case basis. The guidance went into effect on August 22, 2007.

The guidance stipulates that residents must be currently registered for assistance, currently living in a FEMA-provided temporary housing unit, and agree to the terms and conditions of the program. These conditions include a signed agreement acknowledging that the hotel or motel rooms are only for the use of the applicant's household; that the household will not be able to return to the FEMA temporary housing unit; and that they will not be able to purchase the unit under the sales to occupants program should it be reinstated. The conditions also include a requirement that the applicant is responsible for paying for all charges except room and tax, which will be paid by FEMA; and an acknowledgement that FEMA may terminate this assistance with 14 days of written notice.

Occupants of a FEMA-provided temporary housing unit who have a health concern may contact FEMA at the FEMA Formaldehyde information number: 1-866-562-2381; TTY 1-800-462-7585. More information is available at www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/2005katrina/useful.shtm.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. 

Last Modified: Tuesday, 11-Sep-2007 15:16:57