Several Florida members of Congress recently sent a letter to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell in support of the Disaster Housing Assistance Program. U.S. Representatives Val Demings, Al Lawson, Debbie Wasserman Shultz, Darren Soto, Stephanie Murphy, Kathy Castor, and Charlie Crist all signed the letter, which was led by Rep. Demings.
The Disaster Housing Assistance Program, which has had historic support by both Democrats and Republicans, was formed after a 2006 analysis by the George W. Bush administration determined that HUD should be the lead agency for housing following disasters.
“Here in the greatest country on earth we must ensure that Floridian families do not go homeless following a hurricane or other disaster,” said Rep. Demings, who is also running for U.S. Senate. “This important program serves families with children, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and others to ensure that they can find stable post-disaster housing, pay rent, and get back on their feet by finding employment and restoring their own independence. Though this program was unfortunately politicized in the past in an effort to deny support to victims from Hurricane Maria, I am glad to see that it is back up and running, and look forward to additional information from FEMA and HUD as we work to ensure that every Floridian can land on their feet after a disaster.”
The program helps to provide rental assistance to ensure stable housing for families with children, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and others who face barriers to other shelter assistance programs. As part of the program, recipients are transitioned into full self-sufficiency, including with all families receiving DHAP rental assistance provided wrap-around case management services to help them find permanent housing solutions, secure employment, and connect to any other relevant services.
Without this program, displaced families are forced to live in their cars, become homeless, or set up tent cities and other dangerous living situations.
This is a proven and successful program which has assisted thousands of Floridians and other Americans following natural disasters.
“As Floridians, we have all weathered disasters of varying severity, but are unified in our commitment to helping our neighbors and communities prepare for and recover when the worst should happen,” the letter said.
