[StBernard] FEMA Housing Session To Detail Streamlined Transition Process

Westley Annis Westley at da-parish.com
Mon May 19 20:10:17 EDT 2008


FEMA Housing Session To Detail Streamlined Transition Process

NEW ORLEANS (May 19, 2008) - Staff from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will host a housing information session for area residents currently living in FEMA-provided travel trailers and mobile homes.

The sessions will provide residents with information about transitioning directly into HUD's Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP). Residents can now move directly from travel trailers or mobile homes into the DHAP program with no break in assistance between the two programs.

Housing Information Sessions will be held from at the following times and locations:

* May 20- Baton Rouge- Catholic Life Center 1800 S. Acadian Thwy, Baton Rouge, La., Rooms 104-105
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
* May 21- Baton Rouge- Renaissance Village 2000 Groom Rd Baker, La., 70714
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
* May 22- Lafayette- Clifton Chenier Center 220 West Willow, Lafayette, La., 70501
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
* May 27- Lake Charles- Crying Eagle Park 1100 James Suddeth Pkwy, Lake Charles, La., 70615
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Additional Information Sessions are also being planned for Orleans and Iberia Parishes.

"FEMA and HUD are working together to make it an easy transition for applicants to go from disaster temporary housing to more long-term, and more comfortable, housing arrangements," said FEMA's Individual Assistance Section Chief Brian Boyle. "We're trying to eliminate any likelihood of interruption in service for our applicants."

Staff will be on hand to assist both residents and landlords in completing paperwork and understanding the program. Residents can also learn more about rental units in their area and other FEMA and community resources that may be available.

Landlords are encouraged to attend and, where possible, will be linked with residents on the spot. In addition, staff from Louisiana's Department of Social Services (DSS), the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) and the Louisiana Family Recovery Corps (LFRC) will be on site to provide information about state resources available to help residents transition to more long-term housing.

We want the transition process to be as seamless as possible for our families," said Paul Rainwater, LRA Executive Director. "Although there is still much work and long term planning to do, state and federal agencies are working together with nonprofits as we move people out of temporary disaster housing. These outreach meetings will bring the partners together to speak directly with families in transition."

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated South Louisiana, claiming 1,464 lives, destroying more than 200,000 homes and 18,000 businesses. The Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) is the planning and coordinating body that was created in the aftermath of these storms to lead one of the most extensive rebuilding efforts in the world. The LRA is a 33-member body which is coordinating across jurisdictions, supporting community recovery and resurgence, ensuring integrity and effectiveness, and planning for the recovery and rebuilding of Louisiana.

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