Connect & Support
By Murray Wennerlund published 9-28-2023 updated 1-4-2024
Whether it's staying in your car, setting up a tent in your front yard, hunkering down in your recreational trailer, or seeking refuge with friends and family, securing shelter is your immediate priority. It's crucial to establish short-term shelter, which may last anywhere from 1 to 30 days, to provide you with the necessary time to find a long-term housing solution that will be offered by FEMA and HUD for up to 22 to 32 months if needed.
Federal Shelter Assistance that requires FEMA registration:
- FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA): FEMA transitional shelter program will pay for your hotel stay while you are displaced only after you register and qualify for TSA. Hotels, Motels that provide rooms paid by FEMA vouchers. Requires FEMA registration.
- FEMA Emergency Shelter: Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to talk with someone in person for guidance or information.
- Red Cross Shelter Map: The Red Cross offers shelters if you have to evacuate your home during a disaster.
- FCC Dial 211 for Essential Community Services: Basic Human Needs Resources – including food and clothing banks, shelters, rent assistance, and utility assistance.
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Programs (LIHEAPs):
Important. Hotels and motels listed by FEMA frequently offer aid to disaster evacuees by helping them with FEMA registration when internet access is unavailable.
The temporary shelter assistance provided by FEMA is initially short-term. Once you've secured short-term housing, you can then apply for rental or mortgage assistance while residing elsewhere. Additionally, options include requesting the installation of a manufactured home or RV camper on your property, or being offered an apartment. The next steps after the initial 30 days depend on your specific requests and needs. In certain cases, you may receive fair market value for rentals and be tasked with finding your own accommodation. FEMA and HUD (CDBG-DR) grants offer programs to all disaster survivors who are displaced.
How to apply to FEMA for temporary shelter.
To apply for temporary shelter assistance with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), follow these steps:
- Register with FEMA: The first step is to register with FEMA to apply for assistance. You can do this online through DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362). The TTY number for individuals with hearing or speech impairments is 1-800-462-7585.
- Gather Information: When you apply, have the following information ready:
- Social Security number (SSN) of the applicant or the primary contact person for the household
- Description of the damages and losses incurred during the disaster
- Current mailing address, phone number, and address of the damaged property
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Bank account details (for direct deposit of funds, if eligible)
- Complete the Application: Whether you apply online or by phone, follow the instructions provided by the FEMA representative. Provide accurate and complete information to ensure the processing of your application.
- Eligibility Determination: FEMA will review your application and assess your eligibility for temporary shelter assistance based on the type and extent of damage you've experienced. If approved, you will receive funds to help with temporary housing needs. If you left before the incident that led to damage in your home and you're uncertain about its safety for return, inform FEMA that you're awaiting an inspection. FEMA will cover the days preceding the storm and those following it as you await a health and safety assessment of your affected residence.
- Use of Funds: The temporary shelter assistance funds are intended to cover the cost of temporary housing, such as renting a hotel room, apartment, or other forms of lodging, if your home is uninhabitable due to the disaster. You can utilize these funds to cover sheltering expenses before the storm in case you evacuated beforehand.
- Keep Records: Maintain records of all communication with FEMA, including application details and case numbers. This documentation will be essential for tracking your application's progress and for reference during any follow-up inquiries.
- Follow-Up: If you have any questions or need to update information after submitting your application, don't hesitate to contact FEMA. Keep checking for updates and stay in touch with FEMA regarding the status of your application. Remember that FEMA's temporary shelter assistance is typically provided for a limited period and is intended to bridge the gap until you can find a more permanent housing solution. The availability of funds and the specific eligibility criteria may vary based on the nature and severity of the disaster, so it's important to apply as soon as possible after a disaster is declared to increase your chances of receiving assistance.
Major Faith-Based Volunteer Groups that Assist with Temporary Shelter After Disasters in the USA:
The Salvation Army is a well-known faith-based organization that provides disaster relief services, including food, shelter, and emotional support, to those affected by disasters.
This organization, operated through Southern Baptist churches, offers disaster response services such as food preparation, distribution, and other forms of assistance.
Catholic Charities provides a range of services, including food assistance, to disaster survivors in the United States through their local chapters.
This organization, rooted in the Mennonite faith, provides disaster relief and rebuilding services, including food distribution, in the aftermath of disasters.
Lutheran Disaster Response, operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), offers food aid, shelter, and other assistance to disaster-affected communities.
Although not exclusively faith-based, Samaritan's Purse is a Christian organization that responds to disasters by providing food, shelter, and medical assistance.
UMCOR, the humanitarian arm of the United Methodist Church, provides disaster response and relief services, including food distribution and emergency supplies.
While rooted in the Islamic faith, Islamic Relief USA is a humanitarian organization that provides aid to disaster-affected communities, including food assistance.
This organization, associated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, responds to disasters by providing food, shelter, and other support to those in need.
Operated by the Episcopal Church, this organization provides disaster response services, including food aid and other forms of assistance.
These faith-based organizations offer food aid and other forms of assistance to disaster survivors within the United States, guided by their religious principles and values. Keep in mind that their services may vary based on the nature and scale of the disaster.
Major Non-Faith-Based Volunteer Groups that Assist with Temporary Shelter After Disasters in the USA:
- American Red Cross: The American Red Cross is one of the primary organizations in the United States that responds to disasters, providing emergency shelter, food, and supplies to those affected.
- Team Rubicon: Team Rubicon, which was initially founded by military veterans, responds to disasters in the U.S. by providing a range of services including food distribution and debris removal.
- Convoy of Hope: Convoy of Hope, in addition to its international efforts, also responds to disasters within the United States by providing food and other forms of assistance.
- Operation BBQ Relief: This organization focuses on providing meals to disaster survivors and first responders in the aftermath of disasters in the U.S.
- World Central Kitchen: World Central Kitchen responds to disasters by providing hot meals to affected communities, often utilizing the expertise of professional chefs.
- Direct Relief: While primarily focused on medical assistance, Direct Relief also plays a role in providing emergency food aid during disasters within the United States.
- Habitat for Humanity:
- Mercy Corps:
- All Hands and Hearts:
- Shelter Box:
- National Disaster Search Dog Foundation:
These organizations operate specifically in the United States and are dedicated to responding to disasters and emergencies in the country, including providing food aid to affected communities. Keep in mind that disaster response efforts can vary depending on the scale and location of the disaster.
