Do you need a free hotel room after surviving Hurricane Ian? Here’s what you should know
Many people across Florida no longer have a place to live after Hurricane Ian ravaged their communities last month, leaving behind wrecked homes, shuttered businesses and a worrisome death toll.
It could be months before survivors are able to move back home, while others may have to find a new place to live.
To address the need of temporary housing across the state, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has activated its Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program in 19 counties.
Here’s what you need to know.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible to stay in a hotel or motel paid by FEMA, hurricane survivors in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties must first apply for disaster assistance, according to the federal agency.
“They may be eligible for TSA if they cannot return to their home and their housing needs cannot be met by insurance, shelters or rental assistance provided by FEMA or another agency,” FEMA said Friday in a news release.
READ MORE: Can non-citizens get FEMA assistance after Hurricane Ian? Yes, under these conditions
You will be notified of your eligibility through an automated phone call, text message or email, depending on the method of communication you selected when applying for assistance.
Is it free?
FEMA says it will pay the cost of room, taxes and non-refundable pet fees directly to participating hotels and motels. You will be responsible for all other costs, including laundry, room service, parking, telephone, food and transportation.
READ MORE: Did Ian destroy your roof? Check if you qualify to get a blue tarp installed for free
How long can I stay at the hotel?
Continued eligibility is determined on an individual basis, according to FEMA. When eligibility ends, FEMA will notify you seven days prior to the checkout date.
How can I find a hotel?
This program is limited to participating hotels and motels in Florida, Alabama and Georgia. To find the one that is best for you, visit femaevachotels.com, call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or download the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.
READ MORE: Need to fix your home after Hurricane Ian? Contractor red flags to watch in Florida
To look for hotels, you will first need the FEMA registration number you got when you applied for disaster assistance. If you have a disability or special needs, you should check with the hotel to make sure they can accommodate you before confirming a reservation, FEMA said. You also have to check if pets are accepted.
Applicants must show photo identification and follow any hotel check-in requirements.
READ MORE: Hiring a contractor for home repair? How to check the license and complaints in Florida
How can I apply for disaster assistance?
If you are eligible, there are three ways to apply for FEMA disaster assistance:
- Visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Download the “FEMA App” for mobile devices.
- Call toll-free 800-621-3362 (FEMA).
This story was originally published October 9, 2022 at 6:48 PM.
