Housing Help for Families Displaced by Hurricane Ike

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) created a Disaster Housing Assistance Program called DHAP-IKE.  This program provides monthly rental assistance, security deposit, and utility deposit assistance for certain families displaced by Hurricane Ike.  The program is scheduled to start November 1, 2008 and end in March 2010.

To qualify, all of the following must be true:

• You have losses in the listed disaster areas
• The damage to your property is not covered by your insurance, or your insurance settlement is not enough to meet your losses.
• You or someone who lives with you is a citizen of the United States, a non-citizen national, or a qualified alien.
• The home is where you usually live and where you were living at the time of Ike.
• You are not able to live in your home now because of damage from the hurricane.

At first, there are no income eligibility requirements for DHAP-Ike. By August 1, 2009, only families with housing costs that exceed 30% of the family’s income can get continued DHAP-Ike rental assistance.

Step 1 – Contact FEMA

FEMA will refer families in need to HUD.  So, if you haven't already, register for assistance by calling 1 (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or online at www.FEMA.gov.  When applying, you should have a pen and paper and the following information ready:

• Your Social Security number.
• Current and pre-disaster address.
• A telephone number where you can be contacted.
• Insurance information.
• Total household annual income
• A description of your losses caused by the disaster.

Step 2 – Call the HUD DHAP Call Center

FEMA will start referring families to HUD by October 15, 2008.  If FEMA tells you that you are eligible, you must decide if you want to stay where you are, or if you want to move to another area (for example, an area with more family).

Once you decide where you would like assistance, call the HUD DHAP Call Center at 1-866-373-9509, Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm, Saturday and Sunday 8:00am to 12:00.   The Call Center will assign you to a local Public Housing Authority (PHA).  

Step 3 – Working with the PHA

To get into DHAP-Ike, you must receive case management services and sign a certification of family obligations.  The PHA will help you look for housing.  Once you choose a place and it is approved, the PHA may help negotiate to get the lease signed.  If you or a family member has a disability, the PHA will consider your special needs.

More Answers

What if I Need Help With My Security and Utility Deposits?

You can ask for help with security and utility deposits.  If you qualify, the PHA will pay the security deposit and deposits for utilities (including connection fees).  The maximum amount for of utility deposit assistance is $400 per family.

Can I Rent a Furnished Unit?

You may rent a unit that is furnished. The total rent assistance amount does not change.  

What if I Want a Unit that Costs more than My Assistance Amount?

You may rent a unit where the rent exceeds the monthly rental assistance; you must pay the extra amount.  You will pay that directly to the property owner.

Who Pays for the Utilities?

You must pay for any utility costs not included in the rent or lease.  You pay directly to the utility supplier.

How Much will I Pay in Rent?

In the beginning, if your unit does not exceed the rental assistance amount, you will not be required to make rental payments until May 1, 2009.  In May 2009, you will need to start paying rent.  The rent increases by $50/month until you are paying all of the rent, or until the program ends, which ever comes first.

2009

• May - $50
• June - $100
• July - $150
• August - $200
• September - $250
• October -$300
• November - $350
• December - $400

2010

• January - $450
• February - $500
• March  - $550

You may ask the PHA for an exception to the rent increases because of economic hardship. To be eligible for a hardship exception you must comply with all case management service requirements and demonstrate the rent exceeds 30% of the family’s monthly income.  The PHA will only make rent assistance payments while your family lives in the unit, during the term of the contract.  You may not receive DHAP-Ike rent assistance while getting other housing subsidies.