SERT, FEMA Aid Displaced Persons
Release Date: November 18, 2004
Release Number: 1539-277
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- The state and federal governments have initiated two new housing operations to close the gap between the many Floridians who remain homeless following this year’s four hurricanes, and a number of property owners with available housing resources.
Along with the concentrated efforts of many governmental agencies at the local, state and federal level, and the work of volunteer groups, the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have developed programs to enable displaced persons and property owners with available resources to find each other.
The state and federal governments, along with volunteer groups, have identified three areas most in need of housing resources.
They include Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in the state’s far northwest section; Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties along the Space and Treasure coasts bordering the Atlantic Ocean; and Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee and Polk counties in southwest Florida.
According to Bill Carwile, federal coordinating officer, and Craig Fugate, state coordinating officer, there are two new sources that property owners and landlords may use to find customers for their rentals, and displaced persons who may find the needed housing the owners have for rent or lease.
Owners or managers who have property for rent or lease, including homes, apartments, condos, or trailers, can place those properties in an online clearinghouse by entering the availability on the web at www.dhronline.org for displaced persons. This site serves as a tool to assist property owners in leasing property, and assists those looking for housing as well.
Also, those who have property available may fax information regarding the units for potential resources to the FEMA Resource Department at 407-858-6230, or 407-858-2018. If they fax the information to the department, it will be posted on the web site.
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 the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 19-Nov-2004 12:53:20