Transitional Housing Assistance Extended for Sandy Victims

Editor's Note: This article was written by Jaime Sumersille.

At the request of the State of New York, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a 14-day extension to the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program.

This extension allows eligible survivors from Hurricane Sandy who cannot return to their homes to stay in participating hotels or motels.

The new checkout date for those in the TSA program is March 24. FEMA will call applicants eligible for the extension to notify them of the new checkout date.

“This extension for the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program will give New Yorkers hit hardest by Sandy more time and a place to stay so that they can get back on their feet soon as possible,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.

This is a short-term program that places families in hotels while they work toward a longer-term housing plan.

To be eligible for TSA, survivors must first apply for federal assistance through FEMA by:

• Registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov;
• Registering via smartphone or tablet by using the FEMA app or going to fema.gov; or Registering by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY 800-462-7585). For 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.