The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is set to terminate its transitional shelter assistance for families impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, effective Tuesday. This decision affects those who FEMA has determined no longer qualify for the program.

Details on Affected Individuals: Approximately 47,000 residents of Florida have been residing in hotels and motels since the hurricanes Helene, Milton, and Debby struck. Earlier this month, FEMA reassessed the eligibility for this assistance. While some applicants were granted extensions until January 28, others were not, with their support ending on January 14.

Among those affected is Jason Rule, who has been staying at the Bilmar Beach Resort in Treasure Island since his home was rendered uninhabitable by Hurricane Helene. He expressed uncertainty about his future once the assistance ends, highlighting the temporary relief the program has provided.

What’s Next for Affected Individuals: Rule hopes for further extensions, emphasizing the dire situation for many like him without a clear path forward. Similarly, Leah Campen and Steven Kovich, whose home was damaged by Helene, have been in another hotel for nearly four months. Campen received an extension until January 28 but is anxious about the approaching deadline.

FEMA’s Communication and Review Process: FEMA has informed those no longer eligible through automated phone calls. The agency plans to review eligibility biweekly, allowing those who still meet the criteria to continue in the program.

Criteria for Ineligibility: FEMA outlined several reasons why individuals might be deemed ineligible for continued assistance:

• The pre-disaster primary residence is safe for occupancy.
• The registered home is not the applicant’s primary residence.
• An applicant is already linked with another receiving FEMA aid.
• Finding alternative housing.
• Refusal of direct housing offers.
• Failure to allow or attend home inspections.
• Receiving FEMA rental assistance or having insurance coverage for living expenses.
• Non-compliance with TSA terms or hotel policies.
• No damage reported to primary residence at application.
• Not checking into TSA within the last 30 days.

Appeals Process: For those who believe their ineligibility was assessed incorrectly, FEMA recommends contacting the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or visiting a disaster recovery center to discuss their case.

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

(Image credit: Shutterstock)