FEMA Extends Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program in New York

Checkout Date of January 12, 2013 Will Allow Families to Have Shelter During the Holiday Season

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), at the request of the state of New York, has approved a four-week extension to the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, which allows eligible survivors from Hurricane Sandy, who cannot return to their homes, to stay in participating hotels or motels.

The new extension will allow applicants to remain in participating hotels during the holiday season. FEMA will call applicants eligible for the extension to notify them of the extended four-week period and the checkout date of Jan. 12, 2013.

"This much-needed extension will allow families who lost everything in Hurricane Sandy to have a place to stay throughout the holiday season," Governor Cuomo said. 

"We will continue to work together with city and federal partners to help those displaced by this devastating storm find housing solutions."

This is a short-term program that places families in hotels in areas with significant rental shortages. Families can stay in area hotels for a short time while they work toward a housing plan. 

"Our top priority is to help get people into rental units and longer term housing as fast as we can," stated FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne.

"We recognize that the holidays can be an emotional time for disaster survivors and this extension will provide with immediate shelter through the season." 

To be eligible for TSA, survivors must first apply for federal assistance through FEMA by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.  

You can also registering via smartphone or tablet by using the FEMA app or going to http://m.fema.gov/ or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY 800-462-7585). 

For 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.