The Federal Emergency Management Agency is working on a policy that would allow the agency to donate temporary housing units to the city of a nonprofit agency or sell units to low-income individuals. Any such agreements would not be entered into until FEMA's housing mission in Minot is complete, which is currently set to end on Dec. 24, although Gov.?Jack Dalrymple has asked for an extension until June 2013.
It's likely there would be at least some individuals interested in obtaining a FEMA housing unit, some out of necessity. With the ongoing housing crunch in the Minot area, some displaced flood victims might not be able to return to their homes or find affordable housing before June. In those instances, continuing to live in a FEMA?unit could be the best option, whether that unit is donated to a nonprofit organization and then passed on to qualified individuals or the unit is sold at a minimal cost to low-income individuals.
No doubt FEMA is anxious to end its housing commitment to Minot, and displaced residents still living in FEMA units are equally anxious to find alternative living space. We certainly hope everyone in temporary housing will have recovered to the point where they've moved out of those units by June 2013, but unfortunately, such a donation or low-cost program to keep FEMA?units in the hands of those who need them could still be a necessity.