Survivors Begin Living In FEMA-Provided Housing As Their Recovery Continues

Individuals and families who lost their homes to Helene’s wrath are beginning to move back to areas near their homes. FEMA Direct Temporary Housing Assistance is available to eligible survivors in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties to bring some comfort and stability as survivors recover and their homes are restored. Travel trailers and manufactured housing units have arrived in Tennessee and survivors started moving into private sites this week. 

Preparing travel trailers and manufactured housing units for placement on private property can be a complex process that involves ordering, installation, permitting, utility hookups and inspection before they are ready for survivors to occupy. Just like a large construction project the process, leading to unit occupancy can encounter multiple challenges and delays such as non-functional utilities or right of entry permissions. FEMA does not permit units for occupancy but works closely with applicants and local governments to complete the process.

FEMA also leases space from available commercial parks, such as RV campgrounds located in affected areas to set up travel trailers. Once a survivor takes possession of a FEMA unit, they are required to do three things every 30 days:

• Demonstrate a continued need for housing assistance.
• Recertify their eligibility.
• Show they are making progress toward a permanent housing solution.

Occupants may be eligible to stay in FEMA provided units for up to 18 months from the date the disaster was declared while securing a permanent housing solution. Each housing recipient must sign and comply with a licensing agreement for the duration of their stay.