FEMA may provide Mississippi tornado survivors with a temporary home if they cannot live in their home because of damage from the March 2023 tornadoes and there is no other option for a safe place to stay.
Can I apply to FEMA for a temporary housing unit?
If you applied for FEMA Individual Assistance, there is no separate application. FEMA will notify you if you are eligible for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance. To apply for federal disaster assistance, go to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App for mobile devices, call toll-free 800-621-3362, or visit a Disaster Recovery Center.
What does Direct Temporary Housing Assistance include?
Assistance may be a recreational vehicle (RV) or a manufactured housing unit (MHU) placed on your property if feasible, or in a commercial park, or a group site operated by FEMA. It may include FEMA providing a leased apartment or house.
How does FEMA determine whether I am eligible?
If you live in Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, Panola, Sharkey or Montgomery County and your home was severely damaged by the March 24 tornadoes, you may be eligible for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance. A FEMA inspector will verify the damage to your home and FEMA will notify you if you are eligible.
What if FEMA says I am not eligible?
If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, the best thing you can do is to talk to a FEMA Individual Assistance specialist, by calling 800-621-336, or by going to a Disaster Recovery Center (Monroe County, 1619 Highway 25, Amory; Montgomery County, 200 Recreation Dr., Winona; Panola County, 245 Eureka St. Suite C, Batesville; Sharkey County, 431 West Race St., Rolling Fork). Ask them to explain FEMA’s rules, tell them about your situation, and you may be able to find a way forward.
What happens after FEMA says I am eligible?
For homeowners, FEMA will order a site inspection if the unit is to be placed on property you own. You or your representative must be present for the inspection. If the site meets all local, state, and federal requirements, FEMA will order a unit to be delivered. You are responsible for ensuring that utilities (water, sewer, electric) are available. If a unit cannot be placed on your private site, you may request that a unit be placed on an alternate private location. If no alternate private location is available, FEMA will explore all other temporary housing options, including placement of units at existing commercial sites.
Why does the process take so long?
Before an applicant can be given the keys to a temporary home, several actions must occur, including:
- FEMA conducts applicant placement interviews.
- FEMA inspects the site to determine if it meets local, state, and federal requirements.
- Contractors obtain local permits.
- Contractors place and secure the unit.
- Workers hookup electricity, water, and sewer.
- FEMA conducts a final safety inspection.
How long can I stay in the FEMA housing?
FEMA may provide Direct Temporary Housing Assistance for up to 18 months from March 26, 2023, the date of the declaration, to September 26, 2024. A FEMA representative will meet with you as you work on a plan for longer-term housing.
Can I buy the unit?
Yes. FEMA will make units available for sale, for homeowners immediately, and for renters six months after the declaration, so Sept. 26, 2023.