A switch by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from Park Model homes to manufactured homes for disaster housing has some FEMA field staff members, among others, shaking their heads. According to the Homeland Security Dept. Office of the Inspector General (OIG), the larger manufactured homes often require siting in existing communities, which will cost FEMA $76 million annually. The Park Models measure 12 feet wide by 33 feet long, are more transportable, have fewer restrictions in terms of siting, can be placed on the property of the family rebuilding their home and are closer to schools. But FEMA points out the manufactured homes are made according to HUD Code, which insures safe levels of formaldehyde, and and are more suitable to longer-term occupancy. As MHProNews has learned from fiercehomelandsecurity, the OIG suggested FEMA bring back a housing option similar to the Park Model, which is less expensive and can be moved more quickly than a manufactured house.

(Photo credit: Russ Desantis/therecord–manufactured homes stored at Six Flags in New Jersey.)