Temporary Housing Provides Short Term Comfort
Travel Trailers Provided in Crawford County Indiana
Release Date: June 21, 2004
Release Number: 1520-039
» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- To meet the needs of Indiana tornado and flood victims who have been displaced from their homes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing temporary housing in travel trailers. The first temporary homes are being set up in Crawford County but determining the need for additional housing in other Indiana communities is ongoing.
“One of the main concerns of people whose lives have been disrupted by a tornado or a devastating flood is where they are going to stay while their homes are repaired,” says Christy Grant, FEMA Individual Assistance Officer. “Providing these temporary trailers will ease at least some of their worries.” The single-family travel trailers being provided are approximately 8x30 feet and will sleep four to eight people.
The main goal of FEMA, the state and local communities during recovery is to keep communities together. “It’s an important part of helping victims recover,” stresses Grant. “Being able to stay in your community with family and friends decreases the emotional, financial and physical stress of starting to get your life back together.”
A travel trailer is one of several temporary housing solutions. FEMA will work with each eligible family to determine what type of assistance will best meet their needs. For some homeowners, funds for minimal home repairs may be obtained through federal grants to make their residence safe, sanitary, and functional. SBA loans are the primary source of federal assistance for long-term recovery and make low-interest loans available to help homeowners repair or replace their primary residences. Temporary alternative housing while repairs are made is also available for renters whose apartment homes have been damaged and are un-livable due to the tornadoes and flooding.
Individuals who have suffered damage from the tornadoes and flooding that began May 27th are urged to first apply for assistance by calling the toll-free registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The number for those with hearing or speech impairments is (TDD 1-800-462-7585). Anyone who has experienced losses can also go to one of the 7 Disaster Recovery Centers in Clark, Crawford, Marion, Miami, Orange, Tippecanoe or Washington Counties.
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: Monday, 21-Jun-2004 10:05:46