FEMA Housing Session To Detail Transition Process
Release Date: June 16, 2008
Release Number: 1603-795
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Staff from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will host a housing information session for area residents currently living in FEMA-provided travel trailers and mobile homes.
The sessions will provide residents with information about transitioning directly into HUD's Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP). Residents can now move directly from travel trailers or mobile homes into the DHAP program with no break in assistance between the two programs.
Housing Information Sessions will be held at the following times and locations:
June 17- Hammond, La.- North Shore Community Fellowship, 17029 N. I-12 Service Rd. (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
June 18- Slidell, La.- Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 360 Robert Blvd. (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
June 19- Folsom, La.- The Park in Folsom, Magnolia Park, 18296 Hwy. 40 (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
"FEMA and HUD are working together to make it an easy transition for applicants to go from disaster temporary housing to more long-term, and more comfortable, housing arrangements," said FEMA's Individual Assistance Section Chief Brian Boyle. "We're trying to eliminate any likelihood of interruption in service for our applicants."
Staff will be on hand to assist both residents and landlords in completing paperwork and understanding the program. Residents can also learn more about rental units in their area and other FEMA and community resources that may be available.
Landlords are encouraged to attend and, where possible, will be linked with residents on the spot. In addition, staff from Louisiana's Department of Social Services (DSS), the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) and the Louisiana Family Recovery Corps (LFRC) will be on site to provide information about state resources available to help residents transition to more long-term housing.
"We want the transition process to be as seamless as possible for our families," said LRA Executive Director Paul Rainwater. "Although there is still much work and long term planning to do, state and federal agencies are working together with nonprofits as we move people out of temporary disaster housing. These outreach meetings will bring the partners together to speak directly with families in transition."
FEMA 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: Monday, 16-Jun-2008 14:27:17