Some residents of Lamoille, Washington and Windsor counties whose homes were destroyed by July’s storms may be eligible for FEMA Direct Temporary Housing Assistance. This may come in the form of Manufactured Housing Units (MHUs), which are one- to three-bedroom mobile homes.
Q: Where will MHUs be placed?
A: MHUs may be placed on private, commercial or group sites for households requiring temporary housing for more than 90 days. One group site under consideration is a former golf course in the city of Montpelier.
Q: Are the MHUs rent-free to the occupants? Are occupants able to choose their own fuel dealer?
A: The MHUs are provided at no cost to the survivor. MHUs are all electric, so no fuel is required. In group and commercial sites, FEMA will pay for utilities. On private sites, utilities are the occupant’s responsibility.
Q: Are water, sewer and trash included? Or will occupants set up accounts on their own?
A: It depends on the location. If the MHU is on a private site, it would be the responsibility of the survivor. If it is in a commercial park, it would depend on the agreement with park management. In a group site, water, sewer and trash are included.
Q: Will roads to the mobile homes be plowed this winter?
A: At group sites, FEMA will contract maintenance to plow the roads. In commercial parks, roads are usually maintained by park management.
Q: Is there cable and internet? Will phone landlines be an option?
A: MHUs are wired for cable and internet, but occupants choose and pay for their provider. The MHUs are not wired for phone landlines.
Q: Are there already appliances in the homes?
A: MHUs are fully furnished, with a refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, beds, lights, couch, table and chairs. There are washer and dryer hookups if the occupant wants to install them and it’s allowed by the site.
Q: Will the MHUs have smoke detectors and sprinklers?
A: Yes, smoke detectors and sprinklers will already be installed. Other safety features include fire suppression, CO2 detectors, weather radios, as well as safety accommodations, such as access ramps with railings or platform steps, for those needing them.
Q: When the occupant finds their new permanent home, who will move into the unit?
A: It depends if there is still a need for housing. If not, the MHU would be returned to FEMA’s inventory.
Q: Are people who were unhoused at the time of the disaster eligible for Direct Housing?
A: Unfortunately, no. The units are specifically for storm survivors who have been approved through the Direct Housing Assistance program.
Q: How big are the MHUs?
A: Each unit will have one to three bedrooms, depending on the number of household members.
Q: Are these units safe? Can they stand up to harsh winter conditions?
A: Yes. All units are built to U.S. Housing and Urban Development standards, and exceed the wind- and snow-load zones for the state of Vermont.