TENNESSEE GRANTED EXTENSION FOR EVACUEES IN HOTELS

EVACUEES HAVE UNTIL DEC. 22 TO APPLY FOR INTERIM SHELTERING

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – People who evacuated to Tennessee from Gulf Coast states in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina can apply for interim sheltering through Thursday, December 22.  Tennessee is one of 10 states that took in most of the homeless evacuees, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently pledged to continue paying their hotel bills through January 7, 2006.

“We want to make sure everyone who evacuated to Tennessee and doesn’t have a livable dwelling to return to has a chance to apply for interim shelter housing,” said Finance and Administration Commissioner Dave Goetz, whose department has spearheaded the statewide response to evacuees. “Tennessee has acted quickly and effectively to the needs of the evacuees, primarily because of the volunteer spirit of local officials and citizens.”

Evacuees still in hotels who need temporary interim sheltering should call one of nine Community Services Agencies (map) across Tennessee.  Applications for Interim Housing must be made no later than close of business Thursday, December 22, 2005. 

Through the state’s nine Community Service Agencies (CSAs), over 3,000 families have moved out of hotels and into temporary rental properties.   With more than 18,000 individuals and families relocating to Tennessee from Louisiana and Mississippi, the state has already placed almost 3,000 families in interim housing.  Under an emergency disaster declaration for Tennessee, the state is reimbursed 100 percent for all eligible costs incurred related to evacuee housing.  Eligible costs cover housing leased at the fair market rate as well as all related costs, such as utility deposits, utilities, essential furnishings and administrative expenses.