FEMA determines if applicants are eligible for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance and pairs them with the best available solution to meet their household needs. Not everyone will be eligible, but Direct Temporary Housing Assistance can provide support to survivors who qualify. The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Tuesday, Jan. 7.
Eligibility
You may be eligible for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance if you are:
- A homeowner whose primary residence sustained major damage or was destroyed as a result of Tropical Storm Helene. And your home inspection verified a loss amount of at least $12 per square foot.
- A renter whose primary residence was destroyed or had major damage as a result of Helene.
- Your primary residence must be within one of the six counties designated for FEMA’s Direct Temporary Housing Assistance: Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington.
What Happens Next?
If your application meets the criteria for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance, FEMA will contact you.
Those who do not qualify for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance may qualify for rental assistance. FEMA rental assistance provides temporary financial help so you have a place to live while you make plans for permanent or long-term housing.
Direct Temporary Housing Assistance Can Include:
- Transportable Temporary Housing Units – FEMA may place a travel trailer or Manufactured Housing Unit on a private site or in a commercial park. FEMA may also coordinate with the state and local officials to construct group sites for several transportable housing units.
- If you are approved for a travel trailer, or MHU, you must sign a Revocable License and Receipt of Government Property before moving into the unit.
- Direct Lease – FEMA may lease existing, ready-to-occupy residential properties for use as temporary housing. Eligible property types may include vacation rentals, corporate apartments, second homes, single-family homes, cooperatives, condominiums, townhouses, and other readily fabricated dwellings. Direct lease is for eligible applicants whose housing needs cannot be met with other direct temporary housing assistance options.
- Multi-family Lease and Repair – FEMA funds the repair or improvement of existing vacant multi-family rental properties for eligible applicants to use for temporary housing.
- If approved for Multi-family Lease and Repair, or Direct Lease, you must sign a temporary FEMA housing agreement and an occupant lease with the property owner before moving into the unit.
You have several ways to apply. If you have a computer, go to DisasterAssistance.gov. If not, visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to midnight Eastern Time. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, you can give FEMA your number for that service. Specialists speak many languages.
Your need for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance will be re-evaluated on a regular basis while you participate in the program. To remain in a unit, you must comply with the licensing agreement and, if applicable, the occupant lease. This includes demonstrating progress toward a permanent or long-term housing plan.