Transitional Sheltering Assistance Winds Down

TRENTON, N.J. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state of New Jersey will continue to help the dwindling number of families needing transitional sheltering assistance during a two-week extension of the program.

FEMA has continuously been in contact with households in the transitional sheltering program to determine their housing needs and how to help them. From those contacts, FEMA and the state of New Jersey recognized the declining need for the program.

Approximately 1,300 households currently using the program have told FEMA that they have worked out longer-term housing. Transitional sheltering is a short-term solution for housing and the extension will end Jan. 26.

Since the program began on Nov. 1, 2012, more than 5,400 people have stayed in more than 430 hotels and motels. The average stay is 25 days.

FEMA provides disaster survivors with rental resources and referrals to partner agencies to help with temporary housing needs.

FEMA reminds applicants to call the FEMA Helpline or visit a disaster recovery center for assistance if their needs or living situation change. Call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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