10/26/2022

Florida Division of Emergency Management Announces State-Led Housing Mission and FEMA Direct Temporary Housing Assistance to Support Hurricane Ian Survivors

~Survivors from Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto and Lee counties are now eligible~

Today, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) announced that FEMA Direct Temporary Housing Assistance has been approved for Hurricane Ian survivors in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto and Lee counties.

To supplement FEMA’s efforts, FDEM has developed a state-led housing mission to provide trailers and other temporary housing solutions to impacted Floridians who may not yet be eligible for FEMA’s Direct Temporary Housing Assistance. Florida’s housing mission will also allow families to live on their own properties while permanent repairs are made to their homes.

FEMA Direct Temporary Housing Assistance provides options for impacted individuals whose homes are uninhabitable due to Hurricane Ian. FEMA will notify applicants eligible for direct housing.

The Direct Housing program provides assistance for up to 18 months and includes three primary options:

• Multi-Family Lease and Repair, where FEMA enters into a lease agreement with the owner of multi-family rental properties (three or more units) and makes repairs to provide temporary housing for applicants.
• Transportable Temporary Housing Units, such as a travel trailer or manufactured home.
• Direct Lease, which is leasing existing ready-for-occupancy housing.

FDEM is working closely with FEMA and local partners to ensure survivors’ needs are being met as quickly as possible and that locations are in a safe environment before housing units are placed. This includes removing all debris that poses health and safety hazards. FDEM will continue to evaluate the needs of additional impacted counties for potential participation in the FEMA Direct Temporary Housing Assistance program.

In addition to direct housing, FEMA is providing rental assistance, hotel stays, home repair assistance and temporary lodging reimbursement to eligible applicants.

Survivors who have applied to FEMA for assistance do not need to reapply to be eligible for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance. It is important for survivors to continue to update their information after registering for FEMA assistance. If living situations or needs have changed, FEMA must be made aware in order to reach out to survivors regarding their applications and potential expansions of eligibility for additional FEMA programs.

To apply or update applications, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA app or call 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., daily.