FEMA Direct Temporary Housing Mission and Timeline

FEMA’s Direct Temporary Housing program is only one component of a survivor’s jumpstart to their recovery. It is only an interim solution that requires a collaborative effort, including active engagement from survivors, local, state and federal partners.  

Assistance Available Right Now 

- FEMA financial assistance is our primary means of helping eligible survivors. In addition to Direct Temporary Housing, this is what is available under FEMA Individuals and Households Program right now:

Rental assistance, financial assistance for eligible survivors who need a temporary place to live while their home is repaired or until they secure permanent housing. FEMA may provide rental assistance, including initial Rental Assistance and Continued Temporary Housing Assistance, for a total of up to 18 months or until the end of the 18-month period of assistance, whichever comes first, plus a security fee.

Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) directly pays room and tax charges for eligible survivors to stay temporarily in a participating hotel or motel.

Timelines

- Many factors can impact the time it takes to get survivors into direct housing units. This includes, site and floodplain assessments, permits, utility installation and construction, among other things, required before units can be available.

When possible, FEMA prefers placement of a unit on private property, however if that’s not possible, FEMA will utilize local commercial parks with available and suitable pads.

- Prior to FEMA placing a unit, site inspections of each property must include appropriate zoning permissions from local governments, Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) reviews, and measuring lots to confirm if units will fit.

The placement of each temporary unit is an individual construction project which takes time.