Types of FEMA Direct Temporary Housing

Temporary housing is available from FEMA for eligible residents of Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties that were impacted by the flooding from Tropical Storm Helene.

Eligible families will be able to live in these units, called Direct Temporary Housing, for up to 18 months until April 2, 2026.

Your FEMA application is your application for Direct Temporary Housing. The deadline to apply is Monday, Dec. 2.

Types of Direct Temporary Housing

If you're eligible, FEMA will offer one of these options based on your needs, preferences and availability:

Direct Lease

FEMA leases existing, ready-to-occupy residential properties for use as temporary housing.

Eligible property types include vacation rentals, corporate or university apartments, second homes, single-family homes, cooperatives, condominiums and townhouses. Hotels and other transient accommodations are not eligible for Direct Lease nor are units that applicants rent using FEMA Rental Assistance awards.

Each unit provides complete living facilities including provisions for cooking, dining and sanitation. The property must be located within reasonable access to community services such as accessible public transportation, schools, emergency services and grocery stores.

Multifamily Lease and Repair

FEMA funds the repair or improvement of existing, vacant multifamily rental properties that eligible applicants can use for temporary housing.

Properties must:

• Be repairable within 120 days once FEMA identifies them for the program. All repairs must comply with local building codes, permitting and inspection requirements, and all applicable environmental and historic preservation laws.
• Be within reasonable commuting distance to the disaster-impacted communities and critical services such as accessible public transportation, schools, emergency services and grocery stores.
• Provide complete and independent living facilities including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, cooking and sanitation.
• Include at least one unit that is compliant with the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act, providing accessibility to applicants with disabilities or other access and functional needs.

Transportable Temporary housing units/Manufactured Homes

FEMA places a travel trailer or manufactured housing unit on a private site or commercial park, or coordinates with state and local officials to construct group sites for multiple units.

• Group Sites: A group site is one specifically built for survivors. FEMA pays for essential expenses including electricity, sewer and trash. Cable and internet expenses are the responsibility of the occupant.
• Private Sites: Depending on the availably of space and utility hookups, FEMA may place units on residential private property or pads in a commercial park. Expenses for units on private sites are the responsibility of the occupant.

Each unit has one to three bedrooms, depending on the number of household members. Units are fully furnished, with a refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, beds, lights, couch, table and chairs.
Washer and dryer hookups are available if you want to install them and it's allowed by the site.

Setting up manufactured housing takes time. FEMA must inspect sites for viability, and contractors must obtain local permits and meet all local, state and federal ordinances. During this process, units are stored in a nearby location so they are ready for survivors as soon as possible.

How to Apply

To apply for FEMA assistance, go to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to midnight ET seven days a week, and specialists speak many languages. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service, captioned telephone or other service, you can give FEMA your number for the service. You may also visit a Disaster Recovery Center - for locations and hours, visit fema.gov/drc.

To watch an accessible video on how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance (youtube.com).

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