Direct Housing Assistance Extension Option Offered to Katrina and Rita States

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) temporary housing program for Katrina and Rita individuals and families may, at the request of a state, be extended for an additional 60 days until May 1, 2009. The Katrina/Rita direct housing mission is currently scheduled to end on March 1, 2009.

“We understand the importance of helping states smoothly transition families into a better long-term living environment. Given that, I am authorizing states a 60-day extension, where needed, to provide additional time to successfully coordinate and manage this transition,” said Secretary Napolitano. “This extension opportunity allows FEMA to continue to be responsive to states’ needs by providing innovative, flexible and compassionate solutions to help disaster survivors get back on their feet. While we are proud of the tremendous progress we’ve made, we won’t be satisfied until every disaster survivor has the opportunity to successfully navigate the road to recovery.”