Hurricane Harvey Survivors Still Needing Hotel Stays Get Extension

AUSTIN, Texas – Some Hurricane Harvey survivors who need more time to find housing are getting an extension to stay temporarily in hotels while they look for an alternative place to live.

The Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program, which pays for short-term hotel stays, has been extended by 14 days. The new checkout date is Oct. 10. Participants in the program will receive a phone call telling them whether they are eligible for the extension and what they need to do to remain at their current hotel or find a new hotel. Applicants must meet certain requirements to remain eligible.

Hurricane Harvey survivors who are not currently in the program but who may be eligible are notified automatically. TSA participants must be registered with FEMA for disaster assistance.

FEMA pays directly for the room and any applicable taxes. Applicants are responsible for all other incidental costs (meals, transportation, etc.) Hotels may require a credit card for incidental expenses.

A household of four or fewer members is authorized for one hotel room and a household of five or more is authorized additional rooms based on a limit of four people per room. One member of each household 18 or older must reside in each room.

TSA-eligible applicants must find and book their own hotel rooms. The list of participating hotels is on DisasterAssistance.gov, under the link Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program  or by phoning the FEMA helpline at 800-321-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585. For 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

Applicants with disabilities or who have access and functional needs should check with hotels to ensure appropriate accommodations are available. Those with pets must check to see if pets are accepted. Applicants must show photo identification and adhere to any hotel check-in requirements.

Many survivors have found other housing and no longer need to participate in TSA. The average stay is 3-4 nights. More than 40,000 families were using this temporary action. That number has decreased to 24,000 families staying in TSA hotels as they work on housing solutions.

Original author: Carmen.Castro
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