ICYMI: FEMA and the State of Florida Supporting Idalia Survivors with Temporary Sheltering and Housing Solutions
State of Florida Temporary Sheltering Assistance
The Florida Division of Emergency Management announced the launch of FloridaRecovers.org to provide temporary sheltering assistance to Floridians impacted by Hurricane Idalia. The program provides temporary sheltering options — such as travel trailers and hotel rooms — for households whose needs are not met through insurance or FEMA's Individual Assistance program. Individuals in need of State of Florida sheltering assistance must apply for FEMA Individual Assistance before completing an application for the state program.
This program is available for up to six months from the date of the presidential disaster declaration.
FEMA Direct Temporary Housing Assistance
FEMA has approved Direct Temporary Housing Assistance in nine counties: Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwannee and Taylor. This program makes available several short-term housing solutions for disaster survivors. It takes time to transport, permit, install and inspect these units before they are available for occupancy and that is why the state’s temporary sheltering assistance is a critical bridge to recovery.
FEMA may offer temporary housing units such as travel trailers or mobile homes. These units are property of FEMA, which places units on private sites and in commercial parks. Occupants may be eligible to stay in these FEMA-provided units for up to 18 months from the date of the disaster declaration while they pursue permanent housing options. For eligible applicants, these units may be placed temporarily in certain Special Flood Hazard Areas as a last resort if no other option is available.
FEMA also provides rental assistance for eligible survivors to temporarily rent a place to live.
To apply for FEMA assistance, call toll-free 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App for mobile devices or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. The telephone line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as VRS, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
###
Updated: Friday, November 17, 2023
