Baton Rouge, LA (October 14) – The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) received word that FEMA approved the state’s request to extend the deadline to apply for the Shelter at Home program. The new deadline is October 21, 2016. The need to extend the deadline became apparent over the last week as hundreds of Louisiana flood survivors registered for the program. As of Friday, October 14, 2016, the number of applicants has climbed to 20,897.
“We want to ensure that all survivors of the flood are given a reasonable amount
of time to take part in this program,” said GOHSEP Director James Waskom. “This has been a very difficult time for anyone impacted by the flooding. Due to issues such as cleaning, temporary relocation and other factors, some people may finally be at a point to consider the Shelter at Home program. It is important for us to allow them the time needed to make their plans. We appreciate FEMA granting the state’s request for a deadline extension.”
Before contractors begin the temporary repairs, a homeowner will need to provide the following items:
• Proof of Ownership (title, deed, mortgage statement, etc.)
• Proof of Residency (utility bill, etc.)
• State Issued ID
• Signed and completed Right of Entry and Indemnification (ROE) form.
(This registration is separate from registering for FEMA assistance)
The Shelter at Home Program evaluates each applicant’s home. If up to $15,000 in temporary repairs can be made to a home creating a safe, secure, habitable place for the family to live while they continue their permanent home rebuilding, then that applicant may be eligible for this program. Contractors and subcontractors involved in the program will perform initial work such as mucking out the house, basic electrical restoration, installing a basic water heater, removing wet wall insulation, and providing up to $500 in basic cooking or refrigerating appliances. This work will be provided at no out-of-pocket cost to the eligible homeowner. This assistance will not affect determination of any Individual Assistance grant from FEMA.
For more information on this program, or to apply, please contact 1-800-927-0216. Applications may also be submitted online via www.shelterathome.la.gov. Please note that anyone using the online system to submit an application must call the 800 number to speak to a Case Manager to have their documents uploaded and added to their file.
For applicants who do not have internet capability or the ability to complete their application either over the internet or by phone, we will have representatives in the FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) frequently during the next two weeks. You can find the closest DRC at https://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.
Shelter at Home Program Summary:
Applications: 20,897
Homes in Progress: 6,512
Complete- Pending only a final inspection: 3,451
Construction Complete: 2,590
Find out more about the program at www.shelterathome.la.gov or calling 1 (800) 927-0216.