FEMA Direct Housing Guide (Version 4) FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY

FEMA Direct Housing Guide Version 4 September 2024

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Table of Contents List of Figures .............................................................................................................. vi

List of Tables ................................................................................................................ vi

Chapter 1: Introduction

Purpose and Scope

Intended Audience

Supersession

Authorities and Foundational Documents

Document Management and Maintenance

Chapter 2: Direct Housing Overview

Individuals and Households Program

Housing Assistance

Direct Temporary Housing Assistance

Permanent Housing Construction

Direct Housing Assistance Eligibility

Chapter 3: Direct Housing Roles and Responsibilities

FEMA Regional Offices

Regional Individual Assistance

Regional Logistics

Regional Environmental and Historic Preservation

Regional Mitigation

JFO Direct Housing Staffing

FEMA Headquarters

IA Division Disaster Housing Unit

Mass Care/Emergency Assistance, Voluntary Agency Coordination and Community Services Branch

Recovery Technology Programs Division

Recovery Reporting and Analytics Division

Logistics Operations Division

Chapter 4: Direct Housing Request and Approval

Direct Housing Assessment ii

Requesting Direct Housing Assistance

Direct Temporary Housing Assistance Request

Regional Recommendation

Review and Determination

Additional Direct Temporary Housing Assistance Requests and Approvals

Permanent Housing Construction Request

Regional Recommendation

Review and Determination

FEMA/STT Government Agreements – Direct Housing Addendum

Direct Housing Assistance Extensions

Chapter 5: Direct Housing Needs Assessment Interviews

DHNA Setup

DHNA Script

DHNA Callout

Processing PHC Applicants for PHC-Repair or PHC-New Construction

Chapter 6: Direct Lease Implementation

Roles and Responsibilities

Identification of Potential Direct Lease Vendors

Issuance of Solicitation

Vendor Selection

Contractor Kickoff Meeting

Leasing Eligible Properties

Property Inspection

Ready for Occupancy

Chapter 7: MLR Implementation

Roles and Responsibilities

Identification of Potential MLR Properties

Conducting Feasibility Assessments

MLR EHP Preliminary Review

Onsite Feasibility Assessment

Property Analysis and Selection iii

Project Review Board

Leasing Eligible Properties

Financial Terms of the Contract

MLR Property Repair

Ready for Occupancy

Chapter 8: TTHU Implementation

Roles and Responsibilities

TTHU Private, Commercial, and Group Site Overview and Considerations

Temporary Housing Staging Area

Staging Area Environmental Impact Evaluation

Temporary Housing Staging Area Staging Responsibilities

TTHU Disaster Specific Inventory

Site Inspection and Selection

TTHU Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation Compliance Determination

Initiating the Site Inspection

Placing TTHUs in the Floodplain

Application of Procedures for TTHU Installation in the Floodplain

Needs Determination

Estimation and Data Gathering

Haul and Install

Hauling the TTHU

Installing the TTHU

Ready for Electric

Ready for Occupancy

Group Site Implementation

Needs Determination

Group Site Task Force

Planning

Site Identification and Feasibility

Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation Compliance

Design iv

Review and Approval

Pre-Construction

Construction

Closeout, Deconstruction, and Remediation

Chapter 9: Direct Temporary Housing Assistance Occupancy

Move-In

Additional Living Expenses / Loss of Use Direct Housing DOB

Determination of ALE/LOU Direct Housing DOB

Billing Process

Monitoring and Completion

Recertification

Roles and Responsibilities

Scheduling the Recertification Visit

Preparing for a Recertification Visit

Conducting a Recertification Visit

Realistic PHPs

Updating HOMES/NEMIS After Recertification Visit

Recertification Review and Determination

Prepare for and Conduct Subsequent Recertification Visits

TTHU Maintenance

Rent Collection

Establishing Rent Amount

Occupant Notification

Termination of Assistance

Reasons for Termination

15-Day Warning Notices of Violation

Notice of Termination

Notice to Surrender Possession

Appeals

Noncompliance and Referrals

Direct Lease-Specific Termination Procedures v

MLR-Specific Termination Procedures

FEMA Sales to Occupants and Donations

Sales to Occupants

Donations

Move Out

Move Out Procedures

Mission Closeout

Contract Closeout

Chapter 10: PHC Implementation

Roles and Responsibilities

PHC Authorization

Contracting Strategy and Solicitation

Contract Award

Feasibility Assessments and Site Inspections

Feasibility Assessment

Site Inspections

Submission of Feasibility Assessment and Site Inspection Reports

Applicant Terms and Conditions

Construction

Construction and Oversight

Issuing the Work Order for Construction

Construction Monitoring

Completing the PHC-Repair or PHC-New Construction Project

Appendix A: Records Retention ................................................................................... A-1

Appendix B: EHP Information Requirements for Timely EHP Compliance Reviews in Support of Direct Housing Missions ............................................................................ B-1

Appendix C: Contracting ............................................................................................... C-1

Appendix D: Contracting Procurement Package ....................................................... D-1

Appendix E: Disposal of TTHUs .................................................................................... E-1

Appendix F: Community Informational Sessions ........................................................ F-1

Appendix G: Consolidated Staffing And Responsibilities For Implementation ........ G-1

Appendix H: External Resources and Links ............................................................... H-1 vi

Appendix I: High Wind Regions Maps .......................................................................... I-1

Appendix J: Seismic Design Category Map ..................................................................J-1

Appendix K: Authorities and Foundational Documents ............................................ K-1

Appendix L: Acronym List ............................................................................................. L-1

Appendix M: Glossary .................................................................................................. M-1

List of Figures Figure 1: FEMA Direct Housing Assistance Figure 2: Doctrine Hierarchy Figure 3: Requesting Direct Housing Assistance Figure 4. Direct Housing Request and Approval Process Figure 5: Direct Lease Implementation Process Figure 6: Direct Lease Organizational Structure Figure 7: MLR Implementation Process Figure 8: MLR Organizational Structure Figure 9: TTHU Implementation Process Figure 10: Direct Housing Branch Figure 11: Direct Housing Under IA Branch Figure 12: Group Site Planning Phase Process Figure 13. Group Site Leasing and Funding Process Flow Figure 14: Recertification Process Figure 15: Recertification Organizational Structure Figure 16: Direct Temporary Housing Assistance Termination Figure 17: FEMA Sales to Occupants Process Figure 18: FEMA Donations Process Figure 19: PHC Organizational Structure Figure 20: PHC Execution Timeline Figure 21: Process to Identify Contract for PHC Mission Figure 22:High Wind Regions .................................................................................................................... I-1 Figure 23: Highest Wind Areas .................................................................................................................. I-2 Figure 24: Seismic Design Category Map................................................................................................ J-1

List of Tables Table 1: Types of Financial Housing Assistance Table 2: Forms of Direct Temporary Housing Assistance Table 3: Permanent Housing Construction Options Table 4: Conditions for PHC-Repair and PHC-New Construction Table 5: FEMA Regional Office Direct Housing Support Table 6: IA and Logistics Direct Housing Responsibilities Table 7: Direct Housing Task Force and other Key Stakeholders Table 8: MCVCS Assistance/Coordination and Direct Housing Integration Table 9: Direct Housing Assistance Reports Table 10: Services in the LogHOUSE Contract vii

Table 11: DHNA Stakeholders Table 12: DHNA Interview Prioritization Table 13: Description of P-Codes Table 14: DHNA Required Actions Table 15: Forms of Assistance and Housing Compositions/Needs Table 16: PHC-Repair Line Items Table 17: Roles and Responsibilities Table 18: Direct Lease Agreements Table 19: MLR Roles and Responsibilities Table 20: MLR Feasibility Assessment Team Table 21: MLR Agreements Table 22: TTHU Roles and Responsibilities Table 23: Private, Commercial, and Group Site Considerations Table 24: Three-Tiered Approach for Purchasing RVs Table 25: Sample Justification Table Table 26: RFE Checklist Table 27. RFO Checklist Table 28: Group Site Task Force Stakeholders Table 29: Initial Group Site Requirements Table 30: Contractor and USACE support for Group Sites Table 31: Types of Studies and Surveys Table 32: Move-in Agreements for TTHUs, Direct Lease, and MLR Table 33: Recertification Visit Procedure Table 34: Recertification Tab Form Fields in HOMES Table 35: Recertification Status Tab Form Fields in HOMES Table 36: Example Violations and Corrective Actions Table 37: Business Case Requirements Table 38: National Contracts and Other Federal Agencies Table 39: HSAM Appendix H Exception List ........................................................................................... D-2 Table 40: Acquisition Plan Matrix ........................................................................................................... D-3 Table 41: Consolidated Staffing and Responsibilities for Implementation .......................................... G-1 Table 42: External Resources ................................................................................................................. H-1

Chapter 1: Introduction

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Purpose and Scope The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Direct Housing Guide (DHG) establishes guidance for FEMA to effectively provide Direct Housing Assistance to individuals and households affected by a disaster in a manner that is safe, equitable and accessible.

Following a major disaster declaration, or emergency declaration1, authorizing Individual Assistance (IA), a state, federally recognized tribe, or territory (STT) government may determine that an incident exceeds its capabilities to respond. FEMA coordinates with the STT government to assess the housing needs (based on lack of available resources and the survivors lack of ability to utilize financial assistance) and determines whether a Direct Housing mission would be a necessary solution. The DHG describes how FEMA headquarters (HQ), regional offices, and field staff manage, coordinate, organize, and implement Direct Housing Assistance.

The DHG provides an overview of the Direct Housing lifecycle as it applies to all forms of Direct Housing Assistance before providing greater detail about each form of assistance.

Direct Housing Assistance includes Direct Temporary Housing Assistance (i.e., Transportable Temporary Housing Units [TTHU] on private, commercial or group sites, Multifamily Lease and Repair [MLR], and Direct Lease) and Permanent Housing Construction (PHC) in the forms of Repair and New Construction. Figure 1 illustrates the forms of Direct Housing Assistance.

Figure 1: FEMA Direct Housing Assistance

1 While FEMA has the authority to implement Housing Assistance under an Emergency Declaration, when approved, this would only occur in unique circumstances. Herein major disaster declaration is referenced only.

If authorized, FEMA works with the STT government and other partners to ensure Direct Housing occupants have access to the full range of recovery support services provided through a whole of community approach. Safe and timely implementation of Direct Housing Assistance helps communities impacted by disasters remain intact and recover while improving resilience for the future. FEMA is committed to providing timely Direct Housing Assistance in accordance with our core values of compassion, fairness, integrity, and respect.

When implementing Direct Housing Assistance, FEMA staff ensure:

• Members of the public are not denied the benefits of, deprived of participation in, or discriminated against on the basis of race, color, nationality, sex, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status;

• The consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities […] that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life;

• Critical, accessible, and understandable communication is provided to the whole community, including qualified individuals with disabilities, individuals with access and functional needs, and individuals with limited English proficiency; and

• Outreach and community engagement with minority and low-income populations and other communities with environmental justice concerns to identify and address disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects.

Intended Audience The DHG is an internal, non-public document intended for FEMA staff implementing Direct Housing Assistance and should not be shared publicly.

Supersession This document is consistent with existing authorities, policy, and doctrine. It does not supersede doctrine or policy pertaining to the approval or implementation of Direct Housing Assistance produced prior to the publication of the DHG. This document supersedes all previous versions of the DHG.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Authorities and Foundational Documents A number of foundational documents provide statutory, regulatory, and executive guidance for FEMA when implementing a Direct Housing mission. Key foundational documents for the DHG include the following:

• Public Law 93-288, as amended, Sections 308 and 408(c) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act; 42 U.S.C. §§ 5151, 5174(c) and 5174(d).

• Title 44 of the C.F.R., “Emergency Management and Assistance.”

• Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. §§ 504, 508, and § 701 et seq.

• Fair Housing Act of 1968, 42 U.S.C. §§ 3601–3631.

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.

• Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility

Guidelines; Emergency Transportable Housing Units, June 2014.

• Age Discrimination Act of 1975, 42 U.S.C. §§ 6101–6107.

• Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. § 552a et seq. (Privacy Act).

• Title 31 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.), “Federal Claims Collection

Standards.”

• Debt Collection Improvement Act (DCIA) of 1996.

• Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972.

• Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) of 1984.

• FEMA Policy 104-009-03, Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide (IAPPG) 1.1, May 2021.

• FEMA Incident Management and Support Keystone, January 2011.

• Incident Management Manual, October 2017.

• Recovery Operations Support Manual (ROSM), March 2021.

• Recovery Operations Playbook, February 2015.

• Executive Order 13166, “Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited

English Proficiency,” August 11, 2000.

• Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5 (HSPD-5), February 2003.

• Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR) of 2003.

• Homeland Security Acquisition Manual (HSAM), March 2024.

• FEMA Directive 108-1, “Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation

Responsibilities and Program Requirements” (October 2018).

• FEMA Instruction 108-1-1, “Instruction on Implementation of the Environmental

Planning and Historic Preservation Responsibilities and Program Requirements” (October 2018).

Appendix K: Authorities and Foundational Documents contains additional information about these documents. Figure 2 identifies the placement of the DHG in the hierarchy of FEMA Office of Response and Recovery (ORR) doctrine.

Figure 2: Doctrine Hierarchy

Document Management and Maintenance The FEMA ORR Doctrine and Policy Office is responsible for the management and maintenance of this document. Comments and feedback from FEMA personnel and stakeholders regarding this document should be directed to fema-ia-dhops@fema.dhs.gov.

mailto:fema-ia-dhops@fema.dhs.gov

Chapter 2: Direct Housing Overview

CHAPTER 2: DIRECT HOUSING OVERVIEW

When there appears to be a lack of available housing resources within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rent (FMR) or the approved Rental Assistance rate for the disaster to support the potential need for housing due to the disaster, FEMA will partner with the affected STT government to perform a comprehensive analysis of the disaster caused housing needs and available resources. This assessment is comprised of local housing information, vacancy rates, registration projections, and other data to determine if the disaster caused housing needs significantly exceed available resources in declared disaster areas.

Individuals and Households Program The Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial and direct assistance to eligible disaster survivors and households. The IHP Service Delivery Branch Program Management Section (HQ-IHP-PM Section) is responsible for developing and implementing policy and doctrine that provides guiding principles for delivering timely, accurate, and consistent components of IHP.

The two main components of IHP are Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance (ONA). Through Housing Assistance, FEMA can provide Financial Housing Assistance for temporary housing, home repair, and home replacement and Direct Housing Assistance.

ONA can include displacement, personal property, moving and storage, transportation, funeral, medical, dental, childcare, clean and sanitize, and serious needs assistance.

To be considered for financial and direct assistance, an applicant must verify that they are a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or a qualified alien. FEMA must verify that an applicant’s insurance or other assistance received cannot meet their disaster caused needs and the necessary expenses and serious needs are directly caused by a declared disaster.

Housing Assistance The Housing Assistance provision of the IHP, authorized by Section 408(c) of the Stafford Act, provides financial and direct assistance for disaster caused housing needs not covered by insurance or provided by another source. FEMA determines the appropriate types of Housing Assistance to provide an eligible applicant based on disaster caused loss, access to life-sustaining services, cost-effectiveness, and other factors. Eligible applicants may receive more than one type of Housing Assistance, including a combination of financial and direct assistance.

Financial Housing Assistance FEMA provides Financial Housing Assistance through funding paid directly to eligible individuals and households. Table 1 describes the Financial Housing Assistance an applicant may receive.

Table 1: Types of Financial Housing Assistance

Type of Assistance Description

Lodging Expense Reimbursement

Financial assistance to reimburse for hotels, motels, or other short-term lodging while an applicant is displaced from their primary residence.

Rental Assistance

Financial assistance to rent alternative housing accommodations while an applicant is displaced from their primary residence. Assistance amount is based on the Fair Market Rent established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Home Repair Assistance

Financial assistance to repair an owner-occupied primary residence, utilities, and residential infrastructure, including privately owned access routes (i.e., driveways, roads, or bridges) to a safe and sanitary living or functioning condition. Financial assistance may include assistance for eligible hazard mitigation measures to reduce the likelihood of or prevent future damage to the primary residence, utilities, or infrastructure that existed prior to the disaster.

Home Replacement Assistance

Financial assistance to help replace an owner-occupied primary residence when the residence is destroyed.

At the request of an STT government, FEMA may increase the Rental Assistance amount provided to an applicant by comparing U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey statistics on housing inventory and vacancy rates to the best available data on disaster caused housing impacts in declared disaster areas. If a Rental Assistance rate increase is approved, the increase will be applied to any Continued Rental Assistance an applicant receives.

ONA covers various needs such as personal property, the relocation of essential personal property and storage, vehicle repair or replacement, funeral expenses, medical and dental costs, childcare costs, serious needs assistance, assistance for miscellaneous items that an applicant may purchase or rent to clean up their home, and assistance to help displaced individuals find short-term, immediate housing. IHP assistance is limited to 18 months following the date of the disaster declaration.

For more information, refer to Chapter 3, Section IV of the IAPPG.

Direct Assistance FEMA will coordinate with the STT government to assess the disaster caused housing needs and available resources. If existing housing resources are insufficient and applicants cannot utilize financial assistance to meet the disaster caused temporary housing needs, the Assistant Administrator (AA) for Recovery may authorize Direct Housing Assistance at the https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/library#documents request of the STT government. FEMA provides Direct Housing Assistance to eligible applicants for up to 18 months from the date of the declaration or longer if the period of assistance is extended. Direct Housing Assistance consists of two distinct categories, Direct Temporary Housing Assistance and PHC.

• Direct Temporary Housing Assistance may be provided when eligible applicants are unable to use Rental Assistance to secure temporary housing and increasing the Rental Assistance rate will not be sufficient to meet the disaster caused housing needs.

• PHC may be provided to eligible individuals and households to construct permanent or semi-permanent housing in insular areas outside the continental United States (OCONUS). FEMA may also provide such assistance in other locations where no alternative housing resources are available and other types of Direct Temporary Housing Assistance are unavailable, not feasible, or not cost-effective.

Direct Temporary Housing Assistance Direct Temporary Housing Assistance includes providing Temporary Housing Units (THU) in the form of Direct Lease, MLR, and TTHUs comprised of Manufactured Housing Units (MHU) and Recreational Vehicles (RV) placed on private, commercial, or group sites. Table 2 provides an expanded overview and estimated timelines for each form of Direct Temporary Housing Assistance.

Table 2: Forms of Direct Temporary Housing Assistance

Option Description Timeline

Direct Lease

FEMA enters into a contract with property owners through property management companies to lease existing residential properties, such as vacation rentals, corporate apartments, second homes, etc., for use as temporary housing. FEMA will identify Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS)-compliant units in accordance with the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) and may modify units to be accessible when unavailable.

Identification and Contracting of Properties

• May begin four to eight weeks from Direct Housing approval.

License-in

• Occurs two to four months from Direct Housing approval.

Multifamily Lease and

Repair (MLR)

An agreement between FEMA and property owners to repair existing multifamily housing units (e.g., apartments) for use as temporary housing. Multifamily rental housing is defined as a rental property that contains three or more dwelling units, each such unit providing complete and independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, cooking, and sanitation. FEMA will identify UFAS-compliant units in accordance with the ABA and may modify units to be accessible when unavailable.

Identification and Contracting of Properties

• Begins four to eight weeks from Direct Housing approval.

Repairs and Modifications

• Occurs four to eight weeks from contract agreement.

License-in

• Begins three to six months from approval.

Permanent Housing Construction PHC may be provided in the form of direct assistance, such as home repair (PHC-Repair) or new home construction (PHC-New Construction).2 Home repairs and new construction provided under PHC are limited to real property components eligible under FEMA Housing Assistance, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); walls; floors; and ceilings. Under PHC, FEMA will not repair or replace items eligible under Personal Property Assistance of the ONA provision, such as furnishings and appliances. Table 3 provides an expanded overview of each type of PHC.

2 Section 408(c)(4) of the Stafford Act also authorizes FEMA to provide financial assistance for permanent housing construction, but FEMA implements this authority using direct assistance.

Option Description Timeline

Transportable Temporary

Housing Unit

(TTHU)

Manufactured Housing Units (MHU): MHUs are available in one to three bedrooms, depending on an applicant’s pre-disaster household composition. Multiple MHUs may be used for larger households. MHUs can be placed on private, commercial, or group sites for households requiring temporary housing for more than six months. UFAS-compliant MHUs are available for disaster survivors with disabilities and access and functional needs.

Ramps, platform steps, or other reasonable modifications may be provided based on accessibility needs. MHUs are the preferred option for sites in the 1% annual chance floodplain because they can be elevated and anchored to reduce flood risk.

Site Identification (Commercial and Group Sites)

• Preliminary identification may begin prior to Direct Housing approval.

Site Inspections (Private Sites)

• May begin three weeks from contract award.

Installations

• May begin 60 days from

Direct Housing approval.

Group Site Construction

• May begin six to eight weeks following group site approval depending on scope.

Recreational Vehicle (RV): RVs are towable units placed on private, commercial, or group sites.

RVs are available for applicants with households of five or less and who are expected to need temporary housing for six months or less. FEMA only installs RVs in a 1% annual chance floodplain on a limited basis. RVs are not the preferred option for moderate to high wind or seismic sites because neither the unit or installation is rated for wind or seismic loading.

RVs are not UFAS-compliant.

Site Identification (Commercial and Group Sites)

• May begin two to three weeks from Direct Housing approval.

Site Inspections (Private Sites)

• May begin two to three weeks from Direct Housing approval.

Installations

• May begin three to five weeks from Direct Housing approval.

License-in

• Occurs following Ready for

Occupancy completion.

Table 3: Permanent Housing Construction Options

Option Description Timeline

Permanent Housing

Construction

(PHC)

PHC-Repair: FEMA performs repairs necessary to restore the pre-disaster residence to a habitable condition. Eligible repairs will vary depending upon the nature of the disaster. Repairs to accessibility features and accessible routes will be guided by the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) in accordance with the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) and Department of Housing and Urban Design requirements for accessible disaster relief housing.

Repairs

• Begins four to six months from Direct Housing approval.

• One year or more to complete repairs, depending on population size.

PHC-New Construction: Implemented when PHC is authorized and an applicant’s pre-disaster primary residence is determined to be destroyed or repairs are infeasible. The PHC-new construction cost cap considers the number of bedrooms, including the cost for UFAS-compliant designs, as well as local cost factors and hazard mitigation.

Construction

• Begins four to six months from Direct Housing approval.

• One year or more to complete construction, depending on population size.

Direct Housing Assistance Eligibility An applicant must meet the conditions of eligibility to receive Housing Assistance. The following general conditions must be met for basic IHP eligibility:

• The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.

• FEMA must be able to verify the applicant’s identity.

• The applicant’s disaster caused needs cannot fully be met through their insurance or other forms of disaster assistance received.

• The applicant’s necessary expenses and serious needs are directly caused by a declared disaster.

For additional considerations related to IHP eligibility, including ownership and occupancy, refer to Chapter 3, Section II of the IAPPG. For additional information on the Direct Housing Assistance eligibility determination process, refer to Chapter 5: Direct Housing Needs Assessment Interviews.

Direct Temporary Housing Assistance Eligibility An applicant must also meet the following conditions to be eligible for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance:

• Be verified by FEMA through inspection3 conducted following an applicant’s registration as the following:

3 During remote inspections, the Housing Inspector determines a damaged dwelling’s real property FEMA https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/library#documents o An owner of a disaster-damaged primary residence with real property (RP) FEMA-verified loss (FVL) amount of at least $12 per square foot, or o A renter with a disaster-damaged primary residence that was destroyed or received major damage as a result of the disaster.

Permanent Housing Construction Applicant Eligibility Applicants may be eligible for PHC when no alternative housing resources are available and Direct Temporary Housing Assistance is unavailable, infeasible, or not cost-effective. FEMA begins the process of determining applicant eligibility for PHC once the AA for Recovery approves PHC.

In addition to the IHP eligibility conditions, pre-disaster homeowners must also meet the following conditions to be eligible for PHC:

• Be verified by FEMA through the onsite inspection conducted following an applicant’s registration as an owner of a disaster-damaged primary residence with real property verified loss amount of at least $12 per square foot.

o HQ-IA-Disaster Housing Unit (HQ-IA-DHU) will coordinate with the Joint Field Office (JFO), FEMA regional office, and the Recovery Reporting and Analytics Division (HQ-RRAD) to evaluate adjustments to the real property threshold that account for the types of homes in the impacted area, comparative size and composition of owner-occupied housing typically observed in the affected area, and building materials of disaster-damaged homes to ensure equitable delivery for dwellings located OCONUS.

• Be unable to use Direct Temporary Housing Assistance.

• Not currently receiving Continued Temporary Housing Assistance or Direct Temporary

Housing Assistance.

• Does not have insurance coverage for the disaster caused damage.

• Have disclosed to FEMA all grants and assistance received, including Small Business

Administration (SBA) disaster home loans for real property damage, and have returned funds determined to be a duplication of benefits (DOB) to FEMA prior to construction, including previously awarded Home Repair or Replacement Assistance.

• Have not accepted a disaster home loan from the SBA or return funds if already dispersed.

• The applicant’s pre-disaster primary residence must not be located in a floodway, coastal high hazard area (Zone V and/or coastal A Zone (CAZ)), or a Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS).

Table 4 outlines the conditions to receive either form of PHC.

Verified Loss per square foot through on-site exterior inspections conducted to validate reported home damage. JFO-IA-Direct Housing coordinates with HQ-IHP-Housing Inspection Services to ensure exterior validations are conducted on all applicants who meet the initial eligibility criteria for direct housing.

Table 4: Conditions for PHC-Repair and PHC-New Construction

Permanent Housing Construction (PHC)-Repair PHC-New Construction Applicants may be considered for PHC-Repair to their pre-disaster residence when the following occur:

• The real property verified loss amount is over $12 per square foot or other amount as determined by FEMA, but not above the disaster specific cap and the pre-disaster residence is not destroyed; or

• The applicant demonstrates on appeal they are not able to use home repair assistance to make their home safe, sanitary, and functional; and

• Repairs to the pre-disaster residence are more cost-effective than new construction;

and

• The repairs are estimated to be completed within 90 days or less from the start of the repair work; and

• The cost of repairs will not exceed 50 percent of the pre-disaster primary residence’s pre-disaster market value.

Applicants may be considered for PHC-New Construction when the following occur:

• FEMA determines the pre-disaster residence has been destroyed as a result of the disaster;

or

• The real property verified loss amount is over $12 per square foot and the pre-disaster residence is repairable, but FEMA has determined that new construction is more cost-effective than repair; and

• If structural elements of the pre-disaster primary residence (e.g., foundation and frame) or other components of the home require architectural or engineering services in order to be habitable.

Chapter 3: Direct Housing Roles and Responsibilities

CHAPTER 3: DIRECT HOUSING ROLES AND

RESPONSIBILITIES

To effectively implement Direct Housing Assistance, FEMA HQ, regional offices, and STT governments should coordinate preparedness and implementation activities. Conducting steady-state activities ensures that FEMA, other federal agencies (OFA), and STT governments are prepared to respond quickly and efficiently to housing needs.

FEMA Regional Offices FEMA regional offices establish relationships and coordinate with STT governments during steady state to strengthen disaster housing planning and recovery efforts. FEMA regional offices provide technical assistance to STT governments in developing disaster housing capabilities, including the STT governments’ designated disaster housing authority and disaster housing plans. Direct Housing missions are coordinated through a variety of regional offices, including IA, Mitigation, Logistics, Environmental Planning and Historical Preservation (EHP), and External Affairs (EA). Regional offices may also support field operations by providing staff to the JFO at the beginning of the mission and on an as-needed basis. Regional staff are demobilized at the end of their rotation and reservists deployed to the incident take over.

Regional Individual Assistance Regional IA implements, supports and monitors Direct Housing missions within their area of responsibility. Regional IA supports Direct Housing mission implementation by providing additional oversight and guidance even when functions are being performed by non-regional staff. Regional IA may support field staff by determining continued eligibility, producing reports and analysis, and offering region-specific information or guidance informed by past events. Regional IA staff are responsible for ensuring the timely development and submission of all documentation that is routed to HQ including but not limited to: requests for assistance (no later than seven days of an STT request), policy waiver requests, and HQ notifications. Regional IA also coordinates with regional partners, such as Logistics, Mitigation, and EHP to streamline implementation.

Regional IA supports STT governments in building or planning for a State-Led Disaster Housing Task Force (SLDHTF). The purpose of the SLDHTF is to determine, strengthen, and streamline the STT governments’ housing resources and identify what form(s) of disaster housing survivors need in the aftermath of a disaster. At the discretion of the STT government, SLDHTFs conduct readiness operations through a standing group of members in the housing community who perform preparedness duties and regularly assess the housing readiness of the STT government. Specifically, the SLDHTF will work with local communities to do the following:

• Understand local permits, regulations, and laws that may impact disaster housing resources, selection, and placement of applicants during a housing mission;

• Pre-identify locations for commercial and/or group sites, Direct Lease, and MLR;

• Identify local community hazards, including potential EHP considerations; and

• Assess local utility and commercial capabilities to support a housing mission.

FEMA regional offices coordinate with each STT government and other appropriate partners (local governments, utility companies, voluntary agencies, community-based organizations supporting vulnerable populations, public transportation agencies, etc.) through their SLDHTF to establish a pre-disaster housing plan during steady-state. Each plan is specific to the needs of the STT government and documents critical, jurisdiction-specific processes and procedures, including cost-effective temporary housing solutions, housing assessment tools, and permitting requirements, to promote more efficient execution when there is a need for a disaster housing mission. Following an incident, regional offices and the JFO support the STT in adapting the plan into a comprehensive, disaster specific Sheltering and Housing Strategy.

Regional Logistics Regional Logistics coordinates with Regional IA and state, local, tribal, or territorial (SLTT) governments to support field staff in obtaining floodplain permits and elevation certificates, where required, providing technical assistance, and identifying potential TTHU sites.

Regional Logistics also identifies key contacts within STT transportation, building and other permit offices, and local utilities. They also may also engage with utility companies to ensure compliance with local codes. Regional Logistics supports contract oversight, as needed.

Regional Environmental and Historic Preservation The Regional Environmental Officer (REO) assists with developing plans for Direct Housing missions, including identifying potential EHP considerations when pre-identifying geographical areas or sites throughout the region’s jurisdiction. The REO directs the EHP review process for the region, and the REO and Regional EHP provide technical assistance to support JFO-EHP when reviewing Direct Housing actions for compliance with EHP laws, regulations, and Executive orders.

Regional Mitigation Regional Mitigation works closely with the JFO to provide site-specific floodplain determinations and documentation. Regional Mitigation works with Geospatial Information Services (GIS) specialists to map floodplains and other geographic features and collaborates with EHP to identify 1% annual chance floodplains and floodways that may prohibit the placement of TTHUs. Additionally, Regional Mitigation coordinates with Regional Logistics and Regional IA to ensure applicants and communities comply National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements, and provides determination if TTHU site placement is https://usfema.sharepoint.com/:f:/r/sites/ORR/orr_programs/recovery_programs/ia_programs/Direct%20Housing%20Resources/1-Planning https://usfema.sharepoint.com/:f:/r/sites/ORR/orr_programs/recovery_programs/ia_programs/Direct%20Housing%20Resources/1-Planning acceptable based on applicable wind speed and seismic design category maps, as shown in Appendix I: High Wind Regions Maps and Appendix J: Seismic Design Category Map.

Additionally, FEMA regional offices conduct after-action reports and refine disaster housing processes based on past performance. Regional offices coordinate with field staff and HQ- IA-DHU to understand challenges faced and best practices learned.

Table 5 shows a breakdown of Direct Housing support that the regional office provides.

Table 5: FEMA Regional Office Direct Housing Support

Regional Office Coordinated Tasks Individual Assistance

(IA)

Logistics

Environmental Planning and

Historic Preservation (EHP)

Mitigation

Steady State Support states, federally recognized tribes, and territories in developing a pre-disaster housing plan.

X X X X

Provide guidance to state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments to provide guidance on Direct Housing Assistance.

X

Post-Disaster/Pre-Direct Housing Assistance Approval

Coordinate with federal, private, voluntary agency, and SLTT partners to identify housing needs and available resources.

X X

Coordinate with SLTTs to identify survivors with disabilities or access and functional needs, socially vulnerable populations and individuals with limited English proficiency in the impacted communities.

Engage with the Disability Integration Advisor to identify potential resources.

X

Determine existing housing stock availability, to include rental resources, commercial parks, and available land.

X X X X

Identify and attempt to mitigate factors that may impede or delay the delivery of Housing Assistance including permitting, codes, restrictions and/or regulations.

X X X X

Identify the 1% annual chance floodplain and/or environmental planning and historic preservation restrictions in the community.

X X

Consolidate information gathered, in coordination with headquarters, to develop the disaster specific sheltering and housing strategy and associated recommendations following a request from the

STT.

X

Post Direct Housing Assistance Approval Provide oversight, or guidance to respective staff at the Joint Field Office (JFO) during Direct Housing mission implementation.

X X X X

Regional Office Coordinated Tasks Individual Assistance

(IA)

Logistics

Environmental Planning and

Historic Preservation (EHP)

Mitigation

Support Direct Housing Needs Assessment implementation. X

*Lead entity

JFO Direct Housing Staffing The regional office is responsible for JFO staffing and leading Direct Housing operations. The JFO Deputy Individual Assistance Branch Director (IABD) for Direct Housing or designee is responsible for setting the requirements for the direct housing mission. The JFO-Logistics External Support Branch Director (LOG LXB) is responsible for providing facilities, contracting, and support services for TTHU aspects of the housing mission and applying strong project and construction management practices. JFO-IA-Direct Housing is responsible for the TTHU when it is occupied. JFO-Logistics-Direct Housing is responsible for the TTHU when it is unoccupied. JFO-Logistics-Direct Housing may assist MLR efforts during the property repair process and leads resource management during PHC efforts. Table 6 lists the general roles and responsibilities of JFO-IA-Direct Housing and JFO-Logistics-Direct Housing support functions for initiating a direct housing mission. The roles and responsibilities are described in greater detail in later chapters.

Table 6: IA and Logistics Direct Housing Responsibilities

Individual Assistance (IA) Direct Housing Responsibilities Logistics Responsibilities

Joint Field Office (JFO)-IA-Direct Housing establishes the staffing, resources, and coordination requirements for the Direct Housing mission, such as:

• Reviewing congregate and non-congregate shelter populations for Direct Housing eligibility;

• Reviewing registration data for Direct Housing eligibility;

• Incorporating procedures for meeting the access needs of survivors with disabilities;

• Reviewing potential availability of Multifamily Lease and Repair properties;

• Reviewing potential availability of Direct Lease properties;

• Reviewing potential utilization of Transportable Temporary Housing Units (TTHU) on private, commercial, and group sites, in coordination with JFO -Logistics; and

• Reviewing potential need for Direct Lease or

JFO-Logistics-Direct Housing supports and executes field implementation of Direct Housing Assistance, such as the following:

• Initiating and managing contract actions and mission assignments to support TTHU operations, including TTHU procurement, transportation, storage, staging, installation, maintenance, deactivation, and disposal;

• Conducting feasibility assessments for private, commercial, and group sites, including coordination with the Office of Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) and Floodplain Management and Insurance Branch, part of the Mitigation Division, regarding EHP and floodplain and wetland management compliance;

• Leasing commercial and group sites in coordination with the General Services Administration;

• Overseeing the development of group site design, construction, maintenance, demobilization, and

Individual Assistance (IA) Direct Housing Responsibilities Logistics Responsibilities

Permanent Housing Construction (PHC) – Repair and/or PHC – New Construction.

remediation; and

• Ensuring quality assurance/quality control.

Direct Housing Task Force Direct Housing stakeholders are organized under the Direct Housing Task Force (DHTF) and support the mission by performing key functions, which also includes assisting with guidance, compliance, and other assessments for communities, households with disabilities or access and functional needs, individuals with limited English proficiency, and disadvantaged enterprises. The regional offices are responsible for initial JFO staffing and maintaining oversight of or leading the Direct Housing mission.

Key DHTF management positions may initially be staffed by National or Regional Direct Housing Implementation Teams (DHIT). DHITs are staffing resources that deploy and perform the specific incident management roles as outlined throughout the DHG. They are comprised of pre-rostered staff who support the standardization of Direct Housing implementation and provide consistent leadership during early phases of disaster response and recovery.

A regional DHIT deploys when a Direct Housing mission is anticipated. If an impacted region does not have a regional DHIT or the capability to deploy staff, a national DHIT will deploy.

The Regional Administrator (RA) and/or the Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) requests national DHIT deployment in accordance with the DHIT Deployment Standard Operating Procedure. When the national DHIT activates, regional and field leadership retain responsibility regarding the Direct Housing mission. Regional and field leadership also retain responsibility regarding requests, as well as documentation and record retention requirements. Table 7 lists the general roles and responsibilities of the DHTF.

Table 7: Direct Housing Task Force and other Key Stakeholders

Position Functions

Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO)

• Provides high-level coordination with state and local leadership and support to the Direct Housing Task Force.

• Approves group site locations and sets priorities.

• If delegated by the Regional Administrator, approves Direct Lease Fair Market Rent requests up 200 percent and Multifamily Lease and Repair (MLR) Tier 2 properties.

https://usfema.sharepoint.com/sites/ORR/orr_programs/recovery_programs/ia_programs/Direct%20Housing%20Resources/5-Other%20Resources/DHIT https://usfema.sharepoint.com/sites/ORR/orr_programs/recovery_programs/ia_programs/Direct%20Housing%20Resources/5-Other%20Resources/DHIT

Position Functions

Deputy Individual Assistance Branch Director (IABD) for

Direct Housing

• In large events, deploys to manage the delivery of Direct Housing Assistance to ensure consistent, timely, and high-quality services for eligible disaster survivors.

Provides recommendation to FCO on housing needs and options.

• Coordinates with stakeholders on Direct Housing Needs Assessments (DHNA) to ensure a timely startup and implementation of the Direct Housing mission.

• Oversees all Direct Housing functions, including implementation, move-in, recertification, and closeout.

• Monitors Joint Field Office (JFO)-Individual Assistance (IA)-Direct Housing staffing requirements, adjusts to ensure functional areas are right-sized throughout each state of the housing mission, and coordinates staffing deployments with Headquarters (HQ)-IA-Cadre Management.

• Coordinates with the Civil Rights Officer or Civil Rights Advisor to ensure compliance with and enforcement of civil rights obligations when implementing Direct Housing Assistance.

Individuals and Households

Program Group Supervisor (HUGS)

• Supervises Direct Housing functions, including DHNA, move-in, recertification, revocations, and move-out, and manages staff responsible for conducting related activities.

• Ensures all actions are recorded in Housing Operations Management Enterprise System (HOMES) and National Emergency Management Information System (NEMIS) to maintain an official record.

• Coordinates with JFO-Office of Chief Counsel (OCC) to ensure Direct Housing Assistance implementation follows applicable laws and regulations.

• Determines if there is a need for additional support for group site reviews.

• Provides educational materials and guidance to residents on wind, flood, wildfire, and seismic hazard risks (as applicable), including evacuation processes and routes, and storm shelter locations.

Position Functions

Individuals and Households

Program Housing Task Force Leader

(HUTL)

• DHNA HUTL: Oversees the development and execution of DHNA interviews from the JFO and matches applicants with the most appropriate form of Direct Housing Assistance.

• MLR HUTL: Oversees and coordinates the delivery of MLR, including coordinating with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) on the identification, feasibility, and selection of MLR-eligible properties while ensuring compliance with policy and guidance.