LoanSafe says the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Louisiana officials are considering modular housing in their search for post Hurricane Isaac solutions to a housing shortage. The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) oversaw a number of housing programs following Hurricane Katrina, including one called Mississippi cottages in Pass Christian, MS. Part of a FEMA pilot program, the modular homes are in a community mix with site-built homes of similar architectural style. Dan Carmon, HUD field office director in New Orleans, says, “I’ve heard a lot about Mississippi cottages, but I’ve never seen them. If it’s a successful model that can meet the needs of people subject to disasters, then we want to know about it and make that information available to governments and citizens.” The energy efficient homes sit on pilings 21 feet above sea level, with supports that run from the roof down to the foundation. MHProNews has learned the homes are built to withstand 145 mph winds.
