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January 2, 2009

FEMA nearing mobile home goal

By David Ball

PORT ARTHUR — More than 75 percent of Southeast Texans on FEMA’s list for emergency housing after their homes were damaged by Hurricane Ike flooding have been given mobile homes.

According to Ted Stuckey, FEMA public information officer, there are 2,600 mobile homes on the ground and occupied by residents. FEMA’s goal is to provide mobile homes for 3,600 Southeast Texas residents.

“At three months out, that’s a good number,” Stuckey said. “We have more coming everyday and are making real good progress.”

If any people are still living in a car or a tent, Stuckey said FEMA will try to find them a motel or rental property to reside in.

“We know in that situation, we’re never going to be fast enough, but some people will get their mobile homes first and some will get them last. We’re making progress. We ask people to be patient,” he said.

Statewide, nearly 730,000 residents have registered for disaster assistance. Jefferson County has 78,279 residents registered and Orange County has 26,862. The deadline for registration is Jan. 12.

“We encourage everyone to register before the deadline arrives. We evaluate how many are calling and decide whether or not to extend it (the deadline). We had 1,100 people register yesterday (Thursday), so there’s still a need out there,” Stuckey said.

Stuckey believes people don’t register until the last minute because they don’t think they need assistance, or because they would be depriving someone else of benefits.

“They’re not depriving anyone else if they’re eligible for it,” he said.

Since Ike struck, FEMA has expended $343 million in housing assistance and other needs assistance. The Small Business Administration has awarded $377 million in disaster home loans and $96 million in business loans, $474 million.

FEMA’s motel program was scheduled to end, but was extended through March 13 for those people needing emergency shelter. Reviews are performed on a case-by-case basis for temporary shelter until more permanent housing is found.

“It’s ideal for the resident to repair their home and move in, but a big deal is rental properties. It’s the next most desirable thing. A mobile home is not our first choice for residents, but it’s still an option,” Stuckey said.

dball@panews.com

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