FEMA Searching For Rental Resources 

"Have Apartments Available…Please Call FEMA"

Release Date: November 5, 2004
Release Number: 1556-039

» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms and Flooding

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency are searching for housing resources to help disaster recovery efforts in areas flooded last month.

"If you have an empty apartment or home in one of the 21 one disaster declared counties, and you want to work with disaster officials and rent that property, please call us today," said Lee Champagne, FEMA federal coordinating officer.

Anyone who may have rental property that could be made available to disaster victims to rent should call toll-free 1-877-510-8563 during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday and 8:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Providing this information does not assure the property will be rented, but expands the options available to those flooding victims in need of housing.

"We will work one-on-one with each family to find the best housing option for the specific needs of that applicant," Dale Shipley, executive director of Ohio Emergency Management Agency and state coordinating officer, said. "Those who cannot live in their disaster-damaged homes need a place to live now, and we want to make sure they get housing before cold weather hits."

Temporary housing assistance is provided when an applicant's home is destroyed or damaged so badly it cannot be lived in, and when there is no insurance to meet the need for temporary housing. Renters may also be eligible for this type of assistance. Housing assistance can be in the form of rental assistance to pay for temporarily renting living space or the use of travel trailers until the home is repaired, replaced or rebuilt.

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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Friday, 05-Nov-2004 15:04:42