First FEMA Mobile Homes Arrive in Southeast Minnesota
Release Date: September 4, 2007
Release Number: 1717-012
» More Information on Minnesota Severe Storms and Flooding
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- The first mobile homes for Minnesota residents affected by recent severe storms and flooding arrived at a St. Charles, Winona County, staging area on Friday, Aug. 31, according to officials from Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and the U.S Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
"Housing is FEMA's number one priority, and these mobile homes will offer a housing alternative if no other long-term solutions are available for residents," said Federal Coordinating Officer Carlos Mitchell. "FEMA will closely monitor housing needs in affected areas and make temporary housing units available as needed."
Priority will be given to residents with destroyed homes who are currently living in crowded conditions, shelters or in a damaged home, as well as those with serious medical conditions.
Mobile Homes are a Temporary Solution
FEMA mobile homes should not be considered long-term housing. They are intended to meet an emergency need that ends when the disaster victim's permanent home is repaired or alternate permanent housing is found.
Before placing an applicant in a mobile home, all reasonable means of providing temporary housing are explored, including emergency repairs to restore a homeowner's dwelling to habitability; renting a home or apartment on the local market; and renting a mobile home privately. Mobile homes may be an interim lodging solution in the absence of these other resources.
FEMA is working with local realtors, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to locate existing long-term housing solutions. Operators on FEMA's disaster assistance helpline (1-800-621-FEMA [3362] or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired) and Disaster Recovery Center personnel have access to online resources so they can refer applicants to housing in their particular areas. Mobile homes are only an option when all other housing possibilities have been exhausted.
Mobile Home Information and Installation
Mobile homes measure 14' x 64' and FEMA has worked with the state of Minnesota to ensure the mobile homes are climate-appropriate. They can be placed in commercial parks or on private sites; if an individual has a large enough lot with access to the appropriate utility hookups, a mobile home may be installed on his or her own property. Standards for acceptable water, sewer and electrical hook-ups must be followed. The pad site must also adhere to environmental guidelines.
The movement of FEMA mobile homes to designated counties requires close coordination with the affected jurisdictions. Local codes and ordinances may prohibit the placement of mobile homes within a jurisdiction or their use as residences within that jurisdiction.
Occupants are responsible for utilities, such as electricity, telephone and cable TV. Occupants are assigned units on a month-to-month basis, for up to 18 months from the date of the disaster declaration, while they repair their homes or search for permanent housing. To remain eligible, they must develop a housing plan, which is reviewed monthly by an Individual Assistance case worker.
Mobile Home Eligibility and Installation
Minnesota households affected by flooding must register with FEMA and have sufficient damage to their primary residence or rental unit in order to qualify for a FEMA mobile home. Families who qualify for a mobile home will be notified of their eligibility. If approved, a FEMA contractor will move the mobile home to an approved site and connect all utilities. Local codes and ordinances may require "local inspection" of electrical, sewer and propane connections before FEMA is permitted to issue keys to potential occupants.
The first step to receiving temporary housing assistance is to register with FEMA's toll-free number: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairments. Those applicants who may qualify for a FEMA mobile home will be contacted for a pre-placement interview.
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: Wednesday, 05-Sep-2007 07:53:41