New housing program will help those displaced by hurricane

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (WWSB) – Residents in the hardest-hit hurricane-hit areas of Fort Myers will be able to take advantage of a new FEMA housing program, it was announced Wednesday.

The FEMA Direct Temporary Housing Program is approved for individuals with uninhabitable homes in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, and Lee counties. The program provides 18 months of assistance to manufactured housing units, non-motorized recreational vehicles, and other housing that is readily available to affected individuals.

Florida has also developed a state-led housing mission to provide trailers and recreational vehicles to affected Floridians who may not be eligible for FEMA’s direct temporary housing program.

The Florida Housing Mission allows families to live on their own property while the home is being repaired.

At a press conference at Fort Myers Beach, Governor Ron DeSantis also identified and removed ships and other debris from waterways and used various technology platforms and satellite imagery to clear debris from private and commercial properties. announced efforts to promote Help FEMA determine program eligibility faster.

“We are pleased to announce temporary housing that will give displaced people the time they need to breathe and consider their next steps without worrying about where they will sleep at night,” DeSantis said.

Florida and FEMA have reached an agreement to waive some of the requirements for debris removal on private and commercial property, including damaged slabs on private property. Additionally, the state plans to use satellite imagery and other technology platforms to expedite damage assessments. This is a process typically followed by FEMA going door-to-door and physically inspecting the structure.

The Department of Emergency Management worked closely with the Fish and Wildlife Commission, the Environmental Conservation Service, the Coast Guard, and local governments to identify and remove vessels and other debris from waterways and upland private and commercial land. .

The newly created State Debris Cleanup Program helps Hurricane Ian survivors evacuate and remove abandoned titled property. Residents may request debris removal from vehicles, boats, motorcycles, trailers, ATVs, etc. To make a request, please visit IanDebrisCleanup.com and report the presence of debris.

To date, 869 vehicles and vessels have been identified on private and commercial property, with daily efforts to identify more vehicles and vessels.

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