Temporary Housing Assistance One Year After the 2013 Colorado Floods

DENVER – It’s been one full year since historic flooding forced many Colorado residents from their homes. As the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues partnering with the State of Colorado on recovery, here is an overview of temporary housing assistance that is still in progress while survivors get back on their feet.

At peak, 47 households were licensed into 54 Manufactured Housing Units (MHUs). Many of those households that required assistance have since returned to their repaired homes. Others have found new homes as more rental properties are becoming available in Colorado. A total of 27 households have vacated 31 MHUs. Twenty-seven MHUs have been deactivated.

As of September 4, 2014, 24 MHUs are still providing shelter to 20 surviving households.  Those MHUs are located in five commercial parks.

FEMA’s direct housing program provides temporary housing in cases when no housing stock is available in the aftermath of a disaster. FEMA MHUs serve as a short-term residence while households make repairs to the damaged home or seek an alternative property to purchase or rent. Recertification specialists meet with residents each month to provide assistance and document progress toward a permanent housing plan. These meetings will continue for MHU occupants through the end of the housing mission.

The housing mission in Colorado can last up to 18 months from the date of the disaster declaration, but individuals are expected to work towards their permanent housing plan on a monthly basis and most will have succeeded in achieving those plans well before the 18 month deadline.