By Deanna Frazier
Clay County was approved this week for FEMA’s Direct Housing Mission. For Clay county residents whose primary homes were damaged in the June 23 floods, this means those who were found eligible for FEMA’s rental assistance may now be eligible for placement in Temporary Housing Units.
These are one, two and three-bedroom units which come fully furnished with basic kitchen, dining room, living room and bedroom furniture. Residents who are placed in a THU may stay in the unit rent-free for up to 18 months, but must demonstrate they are actively seeking a permanent housing solution and continue to live in an area deemed scarce in rental properties.
In order to be considered for THU placement, individuals must first register with FEMA, demonstrate that their home is either inaccessible or uninhabitable, and be found eligible for rental assistance. For those with questions regarding the THU program and those wishing to register for assistance, FEMA individual assistance specialists are available at FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center located in the Clay County High School. Specialists are available 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Individuals can also speak to specialists on the phone by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).