The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) today announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a 4-month direct housing assistance extension for victims of the Camp Fire, considered the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California’s history.
Cal OES and Butte County worked together to request that FEMA extend the Direct Housing program. This extension through September 12, 2021, will allow California families more time in their temporary housing while they continue to work diligently toward permanent housing plans.
One of the thousands of properties in Butte County destroyed by the Camp Fire
All eligible occupants who remain in FEMA Transportable Temporary Housing Units (TTHU) will be charged rent beginning June 1, 2021, during the extension period. Prior to the end of the period of assistance, FEMA will provide a 30-day written notice of the requirement to pay a monthly rent to occupants remaining in a FEMA TTHU after the current period of assistance ends. FEMA has pledged to work with occupants to determine the amount of rent within their financial ability, up to the HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR). This amount will be based on each household’s income and current housing expenses.
As of March 31, 2021, 113 households, 50 owners, and 63 renters, remain in the FEMA Direct Housing program.
Cal OES Individual Assistance will continue to work alongside FEMA Individual Assistance and disaster case managers to assist the remaining Direct Housing occupants in achieving their permanent housing plans.
Camp Fire Destruction (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
For those who are interested in learning more about the recovery process after a wildfire, please visit: https://wildfirerecovery.caloes.ca.gov/.
About the Direct Housing Program
The Direct Housing Program provides temporary housing in the form of recreational vehicles (RVs), Manufactured Housing Units (MHUs), Transportable Temporary Housing Units (TTHU), and Multi-family Lease and Repair and Direct Lease.
Eligibility for direct housing is based on the extent of damage to the survivor’s house, whether insurance to cover damages is available and other factors.
Installing each unit involves a site inspection, local permits as well as utility hookups. Since installations, like other construction projects, are subject to delays due to weather problems and coordination issues, the process can take time.
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