Housing Alternatives Available for La. Hurricane Evacuees

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness are urging people displaced by Hurricanes Katrina or Rita to begin taking the next step toward moving home. Several assistance programs are available through FEMA and its federal, state and local partners to help in making long-term housing plans.

Residents displaced by the hurricanes have several options for housing:

* For travel trailers or mobile homes, call the FEMA Teleregistration/Helpline;
1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585 (24 hours a day)
* For apartments, FEMA’s housing locator service;
1-866-373-9509, TTY 1-800-877-8339 (8 a.m. – 9 p.m. EST)
* For those who were in housing subsidized by one of the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs or were homeless before the storm call:
Katrina Disaster Housing Assistance Program 1-866-373-9509, TTY 1-800-877-8339
General inquiries 1-800-955-2232, TTY is 1-800-877-8339

FEMA urges all hurricane evacuees to call the FEMA Helpline (1-800-621-FEMA or TTY 1-800-462-7585) or visit a nearby Disaster Recovery Center to learn more about alternative housing options and referral services.

FEMA is reaching out to evacuees with public service announcements through local media, and flyers. Evacuees are also being contacted directly by state, voluntary and FEMA Community Relations Representatives visiting hotels and motels.

FEMA and its state and local partners’ number one goal is to find safe, secure and functional housing for Louisiana’s displaced population as they work toward returning home.