BATON ROUGE, La. — FEMA is providing about 984 survivors of the August 2016 flood with another extension to give them additional time to remain in agency-provided housing as they complete the final steps of their recovery.
Earlier this year, at the request of the state, the deadline was extended from Feb.14 to May 15. This second extension of the temporary program may allow eligible occupants to complete their housing plan up until August 15.
This new extension will include incremental rent increases up to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Fair Market Rent based on the number of bedrooms in the Mobile Housing Unit and its geographical location.
June 2018: All eligible occupants will have a continuation of their current rent reduction at the policy minimum of $50 per month.
July 2018: All eligible occupants will have an automatic increase in the rent amount up to one-half of the HUD FMR, based on the number of MHU bedrooms and the unit’s geographic location.
August 2018: All eligible occupants will be charged rent up to the full HUD FMR based on the number of MHU bedrooms and the unit’s geographic location.
FEMA’s housing program eligibility—and continued occupancy—is determined on a monthly basis for homeowners and on a bi-weekly basis for renters. To remain eligible, occupants must show they are making continuing progress on their permanent housing plan.
At the peak of the program, there were about 4,500 eligible households licensed into FEMA-provided mobile homes, placed across 16 parishes. Less than one-fourth remain.
FEMA caseworkers continue to meet regularly with mobile home occupants to support the hard work it takes to get back into permanent housing. They routinely guide occupants to available resources and advise them on program requirements, deadlines and more so there are no surprises.
Many homeowners are actively participating in the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program. To date, RestoreLA has offered 9,920 homeowners more than $264 million for their rebuilding efforts. Information on the program is available at restore.la.gov.
FEMA officials urge eligible occupants who cannot afford the fair market rental rates to apply for a reduced rate. FEMA staff continues to reach out and work directly with occupants as we assist in the application process.