Northwest Iowa – Federal officials have approved Governor Kim Reynolds’ request that Iowans in 14 counties who cannot live in their own homes due to flood or tornado damage may apply for temporary housing assistance.
FEMA’s Temporary Housing program is often used in hurricane zones, but Reynolds made the request late last week to extend it to Iowans in counties declared presidential disaster areas.
Officials estimate over two-thousand homes were destroyed by severe storms that swept through the state in April, May and June. Even more homes are uninhabitable due to serious damage. State agencies have already lined up the recreational vehicles and travel trailers that will be used as temporary housing.
Modular homes may be brought in later if some residents need longer term housing until their permanent home is ready. To be eligible for the program, home owners and renters must have qualified for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program. Reynolds says in some instances, the RV may be parked on the same property as a home that’s been damaged or destroyed.
