FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
12/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/16/2024 07:56
Transitional Sheltering Assistance
Release Number:
FS-035
Release Date:
December 16, 2024
What is Transitional Sheltering Assistance?
Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) is a temporary program intended to provide short-term lodging for eligible disaster survivors whose residence is uninhabitable or inaccessible because of the disaster.
At the request of the State of Florida, FEMA provides TSA to eligible disaster survivors who apply for assistance and have a continuing need for shelter. Through TSA, FEMA pays directly to participating hotels and motels to cover the cost of room, taxes, and non-refundable pet fees to provide short-term accommodations for eligible disaster survivors.
Who is Eligible for TSA?
TSA is available for Floridians displaced by Hurricanes Helene and/or Hurricane Milton in 52 counties and for tribal members of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians.
Residents in these 52 counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to stay temporarily in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA.
How Do I Know If I Qualify?
TSA eligibility is based on information the applicant provides at the time of registration and disaster specifics.
Applicants do not need to request TSA. FEMA will notify you of their eligibility through an automated phone call, text message, and/or email.
How Do I Find a Hotel?
Survivors who have been approved for TSA can find hotel options here https://www.femaemergencyhotels.com/
Once you identify a hotel, call to make sure they have a room available. When you check in, the hotel will ask for your:
- First and last name
- FEMA registration number
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Last four of your social security number
TSA will cover the cost of the GSA room rate, plus state and local taxes, and nonrefundable pet fees.
How Do I Remain Eligible for TSA
You may stay in your TSA hotel/motel room provided:
- You are eligible for FEMA housing assistance.
- An inspection finds that your home is unsafe to occupy.
- You have not received FEMA Rental Assistance.
- You don't' have insurance that provides coverage for living expenses by the disaster.
- You don't withdraw your FEMA application.
- You comply with TSA terms and conditions.
- You are not being assisted with another pre-disaster household member.
- Be sure to keep in touch with FEMA by keeping your contact information updated.
You may no longer be eligible for TSA when your home's safe to return to, the program ends, or:
- You receive FEMA Rental Assistance.
- You find other housing, such as a rental, or buy a new home.
FEMA will contact you seven days when your TSA eligibility changes.
Additional Resources
- Activate Hope: Displaced survivors can apply for State Non-Congregate Sheltering by visiting the Activate Hope website at HopeFlorida.com and completing the Assistance Request Form or by calling the Hope Florida support line at (833) GET-HOPE (833-438-4673).
- Florida 211: Whether it's a natural or human-caused disaster, a mental health issue, searching for job training or a food pantry, Florida 211 connects people to help, with a caring human on the other end of the phone. It's a go-to, 24/7 free resource that can connect you with a wide range of social services and resources, including food, housing, utilities payment assistance, health care, transportation, childcare, employment opportunities, mental health crises, disaster information and assistance, and more.
FEMA Civil Rights works to ensure assistance is distributed equitably, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the Civil Rights Office if they feel that they are the victim of discrimination. FEMA's Civil Rights Office can be contacted toll-free at 833-281-7448. Multilingual operators are available by pressing #2 for Spanish.
Learn more at fema.gov/disaster/4828, fema.gov/disaster/4834