FEMA Housing Help For NJ Sandy Victims Extended for Final Time

A temporary shelter program has been extended, at the Christie Administration’s request, to April 30, 2013, with a check-out date of May 1, 2013.

Governor Chris Christie says he will not seek another extension for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Program.

“FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program has been invaluable in giving Sandy-displaced families the time they need to find a safe, suitable housing solution that works for them,” says Christie. “Now, six months after Sandy’s landfall, we are able to conclude the program with an effort to help the last remaining families solidify a long-term housing solution.”

TSA may appropriately terminate between now and April 30th, as housing solutions are identified in advance of that date.

The Christie Administration and FEMA have determined that virtually all participants in the TSA program will have long-term housing plans in place by April 30 and will no longer require the extraordinary assistance offered through the TSA program.

“The FEMA/State partnership has been a seamless effort to help these displaced families and we continue to support the state in all their efforts on behalf of the residents of New Jersey,” says Gracia Szczech, the FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer for New Jersey.

Through the program, FEMA and the State have been able to provide transitional sheltering accommodations for more than 5,500 displaced families.

Approximately 435 hotels have participated in TSA since the program was activated. More than 250,000 room nights have been provided to families or individuals needing shelter as a result of Superstorm Sandy, with an average length of stay of 31 days.

The total cost of the program through March 31 was just under $34 million.