HURRICANE HARVEY SURVIVORS IN TEMPORARY HOUSING WILL SOON NEED TO RENT OR BUY
Survivors of Hurricane Harvey that are living in temporary housing will soon need to make permanent housing plans.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Texas General Land Office (GLO) have provided temporary housing units (THUs) to those affected by Harvey.
People that continue to meet FEMA requirements can still stay in their current unit through August 25th, as the THU and direct-lease-apartment program was extended past February 25th. However, after February 25th, those who remain in the program are expected to pay rent.
Others may be eligible to purchase their unit, but these programs have to be approved by local officials, and may not be available in all areas.
Survivors who are unable to afford fair-market rent can petition for a reduction by contacting FEMA. Occupants with questions on renting THUs can email femadr4332txrent@fema.dhs.gov for more information.
Certain Harvey survivors, by request of the State of Texas, have been offered the ability to purchase their current unit. That offer is good for 30 days after the notification letter is sent to the occupant. To be eligible to purchase a THU, the survivor must lack a permanent housing solution, through no fault of their own.
Each THU’s sale price will be determined based on the unit type, number of bedrooms, and number of months the unit was lived in. Applicants that cannot afford the sale price can appeal the cost to FEMA. Those with questions on purchasing THUs can call 855-336-2003.
For more information on Hurricane Harvey and Texas recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4332, or go to www.facebook.com/FEMAHarvey.