MHProNews has learned that several dozen Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA )manufactured homes have arrived in Texas for people whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged in the wildfires that ravaged Texas in late summer. These temporary homes will be placed as close as possible to the houses the survivors are repairing and rebuilding, as well as in areas where the demand for available housing outstrips the supply. As Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin L. Hannes of FEMA says, “While rental housing is the desired option, our goal is to ensure everyone has a safe place to live.” Two factory-built models will be available: One 12 x 34 feet with two bedrooms and a bath, and a 14 x 60 foot model with three bedrooms and a bath. Each version is also available in accordance with Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards for persons with disabilities, and comes furnished with kitchen appliances, living and dining room sets, and beds with chests of drawers. These new manufactured houses meet or exceed stringent air quality and workmanship standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In addition, each manufactured home is equipped with a smoke alarm system, fire extinguisher, and NOAA weather radio. The homes will be available for up to 18 months at no cost to residents.
(Photo credit: FEMA)