The first temporary housing units provided by the federal government are being transferred to the Valley and Butte fire areas.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency reported on Thursday that the temporary homes — known as Manufactured Housing Units — are ready for installation, pending debris removal and other feasibility requirements. Several of these come equipped for residents with disabilities.
According to FEMA external affairs specialist Steven Solomon, the agency transferred just over 100 units to a staging area near Sacramento. This number includes 39 one bedroom units and 62 with two or more bedrooms, all furnished.
“Additional units are on the way,” he added.
Eligibility for the temporary homes depends upon several factors. The applicant’s primary residence must have been destroyed or severely damaged by the Valley Fire. The site must pass an inspection that checks for completion of debris removal and the existence of functioning utilities, among other items.
Residents covered by insurance may be eligible, under certain circumstances.
Of course, any victim of the fire in need of housing must register with FEMA by the Nov. 23 deadline.
“Survivors may be eligible on a case by case basis, but the only way to find out is to register,” Solomon said. “We’re encouraging everyone to learn more about the federal assistance available.”
Meanwhile on FEMA held a Public Assistance informational meeting on Monday that drew a large turnout. Public Assistance funds go to local government agencies and certain nonprofit organizations to aid in the repair of roads, bridges, pipelines and other critical infrastructure.
“We were excited at the participation at the briefing,” Solomon reported. “The impact of Public Assistance on Lake County could make a tremendous difference.”
As of Thursday morning, FEMA had approved almost $9.7 million in recovery funds and completed 99 percent of existing registration inspections.
