Texans may qualify if they cannot return to their disaster-damaged homes or have housing needs that cannot be met by insurance, shelters or rental assistance.
What you need to know
The Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program is available in Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, Walker and Wharton counties, according to a news release. Additional counties may be added later.
The program helps place eligible individuals and families in hotels for a limited period. FEMA covers room rates, pet fees and taxes, while Texans are responsible for all other expenses.
Texans must first apply for FEMA’s individual disaster assistance program to qualify for the housing support. Visit www.disasterassistance.gov, or call 1-800-621-3362 to apply.
If FEMA determines you are eligible for transitional shelter assistance, you can enter your FEMA registration number here and search for participating hotels. FEMA recommends contacting hotels in advance to confirm they have available rooms. Upon arrival at the hotel, you must provide your FEMA registration number, first and last name, the last 4 digits of your Social Security number and a valid photo ID.
FEMA will notify Texans seven days before their TSA eligibility ends.
Also of note
Due to power outages caused by Hurricane Beryl, FEMA also waived an assistance requirement for Texans who purchased or rented generators between July 5-20, Abbott said.
“The approval of 17 Texas counties for FEMA's Transitional Sheltering Assistance will help ensure Texans have access to the support they need to recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Beryl,” Abbott said in a statement. “Texas will continue our efforts to work with federal, state and local officials to provide all resources and assistance to Texans in need. Together, we will help Texas communities rebuild and move forward.”
