Read about the DHAP extension and other important housing news:

(1) FEMA and HUD announced that DHAP has been extended to August 31, 2009 -- click here for the announcement. 

(2) Click here for a March 2009 LawHelp question and answer page about the DHAP extension (Disaster Housing Assistance Program).

(3) FEMA extends the Relocation Assistance Program until May 1, 2009 -- click here to read the announcement. 

(4) Read below for important information about trailers and temporary housing units: 

WASHINGTON -- United States Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La., today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will allow a 60-day continuation of the temporary housing program for individuals affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This program provides temporary housing units, such as trailers and mobile homes, to disaster survivors, many of whom are still renovating their own damaged property.

Prior to the announcement of this extension to May 1, 2009, the program was scheduled to terminate on March 1, displacing 4,422 Louisiana families, of which 3,977 occupy temporary housing units on their own property. Nationwide, 6,866 families are affected.

"This is a necessary extension for the thousands of families still living in temporary housing units, and I thank Secretary Napolitano for taking quick action to extend this program," Sen. Landrieu said. "Until plans are in place to move families from trailers and mobile homes into permanent housing, we must prevent these families from being turned onto the streets."

"Three-and-a-half years after the storms, families should not still be living in temporary housing. The nation was not prepared with a robust disaster housing strategy when Katrina and Rita struck. We have struggled in our recovery against an administration that was not fully committed to bringing our region back to its feet. My Disaster Recovery has continually pushed FEMA for a housing strategy that recognizes there is no one-size-fits-all solution to housing the diverse populations displaced by disasters.

"In Secretary Napolitano and the Obama administration, we will have a willing partner on housing and the other recovery issues still facing the Gulf Coast."

Sen. Landrieu also today commented on progress made on the Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP) that provides rental assistance to about 31,000 households nationwide, including almost 17,000 in Louisiana. The DHAP program is also scheduled to end on March 1, 2009. In a meeting with Sen. Landrieu Tuesday, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan committed to an extension of assistance to those covered by the DHAP program. The specific policy details on this new program are expected within the next few days.

"I am deeply appreciative to Secretary Donovan, who is helping lead the effort to adopt transitional housing assistance for the thousands of families still enrolled in DHAP," Sen. Landrieu said. "Secretary Donovan, in a short amount of time, has solidly grasped the scope of the housing crisis in our region that was inflicted by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike. We must rebuild not only single-family homes, but also rental properties and options that are appropriate for seniors and the disabled, low-income and middle-income families. Over the next few days, I will continue working closely with Secretary Donovan, FEMA, and the LRA to finalize the specific details of the plan for transitional assistance."