When a storm hits hurricane, entire areas of North Carolina may be flooded and Thousands of people may be prevented from returning to their homes. Therefore, there are different government programs –both federal and state– as well as initiatives of voluntary organizations that provide solutions for temporary housing after a hurricane or other natural disaster.
"After disasters declared by the federal government, the state government often provides temporary housing for people who remain in programs like Direct Housing and Temporary Housing Assistance after the federal programs end,” Keith Acree, a member of the NC State Department, explained to Prepare NC. Emergency Management of the Department of Public Safety of North Carolina.
Shelters in North Carolina
To find out where you can find shelter, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety has the page ReadyNC.gov, where You can find the location of open emergency shelters in case of hurricanes.
non-governmental organizations, you can also check the available shelters of the Red Cross.
FEMA Assistance: Temporary Housing After a Hurricane
La Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also provides alternatives for people who cannot return to their homes in North Carolina.
In fact, it has a Direct Temporary Housing Program for Disaster Survivors in North Carolina which provided assistance to victims of Hurricane Florence in 2018.
Related: These have been the most powerful hurricanes to hit North Carolina
What is FEMA Direct Assistance for Temporary Housing?
This involves providing temporary housing solutions for people affected by hurricanes who are unable to return to their homes.
There are two alternatives within the program, depending on the needs of the victims:
- Travel trailers: They provide a timely and effective interim solution for people with a high degree of confidence that repairs to their home can be completed in less than a year, ideally within six months.
- Prefabricated housing units (MHU): Provide a longer-term solution for survivors whose repairs will take longer to complete due to a greater degree of damage.
How to apply to the FEMA program?
If you are displaced from your home due to a hurricane, you must first check that the program is operational and that your area is included in the assistance zone. You must then apply for federal disaster assistance to be considered for the programs. FEMA, such as Transitional Housing Assistance, financial assistance for rent, grants for repairs to make their homes safe, sanitary and functional, and others.
You can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov , using the FEMA app, visiting a disaster recovery center, or calling the Disaster Assistance Helpline at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711, or VRS) or 800-462-7585 (TTY).
FEMA Individuals and Families Program
On the other hand, FEMA also has a Individuals and Families Program which provides financial assistance and direct services to people affected by a disaster.
This program can provide various types of assistance, but specifically has Funds for temporary housing during the time you cannot live in your home, just like the rental assistance, or the reimbursement of hotel expenses.
It also allows eventual access to a temporary housing unit during the time you are unable to use rental assistance due to a lack of available housing resources.
See also: Where to look for help after a disaster?
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Sources for this article:
- Area Emergency Management of the Department of Public Safety of North Carolina.
- Red Cross
- Direct Temporary Housing Program for Disaster Survivors in North Carolina from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Individuals and Families Program from FEMA
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