FEMA Announces Transitional Sheltering Assistance

With temperatures dropping in Brigantine , the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has activated its Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program.

This allows eligible evacuees from Hurricane Sandy, who cannot return to their homes, to stay in hotels or motels until more suitable housing accommodations are available.

This federal assistance is intended to provide a place to stay for a longer period of time for evacuees whose neighborhoods are not accessible or whose houses have been destroyed or do not have power. The initial period of assistance is from Nov. 1, 2012 to Nov. 14, 2012, with a Nov. 15 checkout. However, this federal program will not reimburse applicants for previously incurred hotel expenses. Applicants are responsible for their own meals and for any lodging costs above the authorized allowance.

Eligible evacuees must fit the following criteria: 

1. FEMA must be able to verify the identity of the evacuee;
2. The primary residence of the evacuee must be in one of the counties that has been designated a disaster area (which is everywhere in NJ); and
3. The primary residence is inaccessible or unlivable due to damage or lack of power.

This now applies to every county in the state and more importantly people can qualify if they don’t have power:

Displaced residents and those without power can register for FEMA assistance online atwww.disasterassistance.gov or via smart phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

In addition to residents in need of shelter, you can also urge local hotels and motels to participate in the program. Hotel and motel owners interested in becoming a participating TSA location, you register athttps://ela.corplodging.com/

Disaster survivors who have already registered for assistance with FEMA have been contacted and directed to contact a participating hotel or motel to check in. Lodging expenses for eligible disaster survivors are paid for by FEMA directly to the lodging provider, with any incidental costs (for example – phone charges, room service, parking, etc.) the responsibility of the survivor.

If you have any questions, please let us know.

Very truly yours,

William G. Dressel, Jr.
Executive Director

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