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U.S. Rep. Loebsack: Urges FEMA to waive rent for temporary housing program
11/3/2009

CONTACT: Sabrina Siddiqui

Sabrina.Siddiqui@mail.house.gov

202.226.6476, office

202.870.1138, cell



WASHINGTON DC – Congressman Dave Loebsack, joined by the Iowa delegation, wrote to Administrator Fugate, urging FEMA to waive rent for the temporary housing program. FEMA recently granted an extension of the temporary housing program for an additional seven months until June 27, 2010. While this extension allows disaster victims an additional seven months to seek affordable housing, several problems remain within the temporary housing program. Currently, FEMA will charge residents the fair market value of rent, minus certain deductions, which places a heavy burden on many Iowans as they work to recover from the floods of last summer.

“Many of Iowa’s communities are still struggling to rebuild and many families who for a variety of reasons, ranging from delayed home repair to the current economic downturn, have had additional difficulties finding their footing,” the letter states.

The letter notes that, “many of the families that remain in temporary housing have children in the middle of the school year. Uprooting families at this time could create significant and unnecessary problems. In addition, there continues to be a lack of affordable housing options in the Cedar Rapids area in particular. As we enter the traditionally harsh winter months in Iowa, transitioning to new homes will also be difficult.”

The letter was written by Congressman Dave Loebsack, Senator Chuck Grassley, Senator Tom Harkin, Congressman Tom Latham, Congressman Leonard Boswell, Congressman Steve King, and Congressman Bruce Braley. A full copy of the letter is below.

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