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FEMA Temporary Housing Program

Transitional Housing Assistance

This is a new program within FEMA's Individual Assistance (IA) program that provides funds based on fair market value in the impacted area for three months rent on an apartment or house. If an individual needs additional temporary housing funds at the end of three months, an application can be made for additional funds by contacting the FEMA helpline, 800/621-FEMA (3362). These funds cannot be used for paying hotel expenses. Remember to keep all receipts for rent paid for documentation.

Transient Housing Assistance

This program provides assistance to individuals to cover temporary housing expenses incurred in hotels and motels. Remember to keep all receipts for documentation as it will become a part of your application for Individual Assistance as discussed below. Recently FEMA sent checks for transitional housing assistance (approximate amount was $2,350) to individuals who had already registered. If you have registered and did not receive a check, you need to call the FEMA helpline, 800/621-FEMA (3362). This program applies to both Mississippi and Louisiana.

To access these two temporary housing programs and other FEMA disaster assistance you must first register with FEMA by calling 800/621-FEMA (3362) (hearing/speech impaired ONLY call 800/462-7585). You can also register online by visiting and clicking on the "Online Individual Assistance Center." When you call or register online, in addition to having a pen and paper please have the following information ready to give to the person who takes your call:

• Your Social Security number.
• A description of your losses that were caused by the disaster.
• Insurance information.
• Directions to your damaged property.
• A telephone number where you can be contacted.
  

When you apply over the phone, the information you provide is put into the computer and an application is generated. At this point you will be provided a FEMA application number. It is very important to write this number down, because for any follow-up calls you will need this number.

If you have questions AFTER you have applied for assistance or if the information you provided has changed, call the FEMA Helpline at 800/621-FEMA (3362) (hearing/speech impaired ONLY call 800/462-7585). When you call, have your application number ready. This number will be given to you when you apply and will be on all mail sent to you from FEMA.