If you are the victim of a natural disaster, losing your home is devastating.Find a safe shelter for you and your family in the immediate aftermath.If things calm down, you should evaluate your options for interim housing.While you work on a more permanent solution, there are interim or transitional housing options that give you a private roof over your head.
Step 1: Pack a bag for everyone in your family.
If you have the time, gather basic clothes and important items for each family member.Try to leave some room for a comfort item, such as a pillow, blanket, or even a beloved stuffed animal, because you never know how valuable that might be.If you or anyone in your family has a health condition or is currently taking prescription drugs, make sure you have the drug with you in case of a disaster.You may not be able to get a refill for a while.Birth certificates, wedding certificates and divorce decrees are important documents for each family member.Make sure you have a valid government-issued photo ID if you don't have time to get these documents.
Step 2: There are vacancies in shelters in your area.
If there is a natural disaster, look for Red Cross or Salvation Army tents.They can help you find an active shelter.You can call your state's family or social services agency.Caseworkers can help you find a shelter and other assistance.The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides a list of shelters near you if you text SHELTER followed by your zip code to 4FEMA.Information about where you can find shelter will be given to you by the first responders.
Step 3: Shelter assistance can be obtained from your state government.
Many states provide emergency shelters for people who are about to become homeless.If you are escaping domestic violence, you could also qualify for this assistance, even if you were the victim of a natural disaster.Click on the name of your state to find the agency that offers these services.If you were evicted or foreclosed upon, you cannot take advantage of these programs.There may be exceptions.If you became disabled and were unable to work, you may be able to get some help.There are separate programs for state residents who are recovering from drug or alcohol addiction.There are programs for patients who are leaving a rehabilitation facility.
Step 4: Register with FEMA as soon as possible.
You can find out if your neighborhood has been declared a federal disaster area by entering your city and state ZIP code.If that's the case, you can apply for assistance from FEMA.You can find a list of different types of assistance when you register your address.You can apply for temporary or emergency housing through FEMA if you click on a housing option.If your home was damaged or destroyed, you may be able to apply for grants to pay for repairs not covered by your homeowner's insurance.
Step 5: There are available options from a HUD-approved Housing Counselor.
Interim housing can be secured with the help of housing counselors.They can connect you with government programs and opportunities that may benefit you.Click on your state on the map to find a counseling agency near you.The name of your state can be selected from the drop-down menu above the map.You can find the names and contact information for agencies in your state when you click through.
Step 6: You can find out if you are eligible for a FEMA house.
FEMA provides interim housing to qualified victims in the wake of a presidentially declared natural disaster.Mobile homes are available for up to 18 months after the disaster.If homes are available in your area, you should submit your application.To be eligible for a FEMA house, you must be able to prove that your primary home was destroyed as a result of a natural disaster, and that it was located in a presidentially declared disaster area.You can be eligible if you owned or rented the home.
Step 7: Donate to charities and nonprofit organizations.
The interim housing options in the US are provided by charities and nonprofits.Information about these programs can be found at your temporary shelter.Information on programs that are available for interim housing assistance can be found in your state's department of housing or social services.
Step 8: Progress is being made towards a permanent housing solution.
There is only a limited amount of interim housing available.It's time to look for something more permanent.You have to provide proof that you're working to get permanent housing.You may be able to show copies of applications you've completed.If your home was destroyed, you could show progress reports from your contractors.