Updated September 7, 2005-- MHI and various state manufactured housing associations have been working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Department of Homeland Security about immediate housing needs in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The relief efforts are the #1 priority of the Federal Government right now. The President has instructed HUD Secretary Jackson to help house the victims. Over a million people are expected to be homeless.

MHI continues to coordinating response efforts with FEMA , DHS, and HUD and we have information for you. Yes, in addition to RV and park models, they are looking for manufactured homes. They would consider modulars that are immediately available.

Housing Issues

This is what FEMA and HUD are looking for right now. They need to know the following information on any manufactured home or park model available for shipment.

1. EXISTING SINGLE SECTION INVENTORY ready to ship
2. Number of bedrooms and bathrooms in the home
3. Dimensions of the home (width and length with hitch and without)
4. Wind zone, thermal zone and roof load of home
5. Electric furnace and appliances strongly preferred.
6. Handicapped-accessible homes needed immediately
7. Prices excluding delivery; quotes must have Serial Number.

Initially, DHS has focused on existing inventories of new, single-section manufactured homes only. They are also dividing the data/faxes by volume – this means the first purchase contracts will be with those companies with the largest volume homes that can be moved into the area the fastest. After this initial phase, DHS will look to retailers with smaller allocations.

In addition to immediate shelter needs, HUD and FEMA will be developing specifications for the purchase of new manufactured homes. This will be phase II of the relief efforts. We will contact you as soon as more information is available on these procurements.

Transportation Issues

At our urging, FEMA has sent an official request to all 50 governors asking that each state waive enforcement of state transportation regs for oversized loads for 90 days (subject to renewal). If the governor agrees, FEMA has asked the governor to inform all applicable state and local law enforcement, turnpike and transportation authorities about the waiver. A number of states have already granted the waiver. Information regarding transport needs can be found on the Federal Highway Administrations website at www.fhwa.dot.gov.

Home Placements/Community Owners

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FEMA have contacted MHI about locating significant numbers of vacant spaces in communities in the Gulf Region and Texas to site the manufactured homes that FEMA is currently purchasing and will be purchasing to house hurricane evacuees. In general, the homes FEMA will be placing into communities are going to be single-sections with vinyl siding and shingled roofs, however that also depends on the existing stock of inventory they are currently purchasing from manufacturers and retailers. FEMA is interested in large blocks of vacant homes in communities as well.

FEMA will be paying rent directly to the community owner and negotiating the terms of the contract directly with the owner. They are looking at a minimum of a 6 month commitment and a maximum of around 18 months (or more, depending on the terms).

That is the extent of the information we have right now, but if you have blocks of community spaces and/or blocks of vacant homes, please email your contact information, community address and information on the number of sites (developed/undeveloped) or homes available to FEMA’s contractors:

Dimitri Kaltsas, Dimitri.Kaltsas@fluor.com
Barbara Russel, barbara.russel@fluor.com
cc: Janey Rudd, janey.rudd@dhs.gov
cc: private.sector@dhs.gov

DHS/FEMA has not currently expressed interest in communities outside the Gulf Region, but we remain in constant contact and will let members know when they want to expand their search.

If you are a community owner in the Gulf Region, Texas, Arkansas, Georgia or Florida and have smaller numbers of homes for rent in your community, you are encouraged to list them on the FEMA-supported website, www.HurricaneHousing.net. FEMA will be using this site to assist evacuees at the many relief centers find housing. While the site is geared toward all-rental housing, there are homes listed for sale as well.

Supplier Companies/Installers

Likewise, if you have any services or products that you want to bring to FEMA’s attention, such as installation, transportation, etc., please fax a detailed description of what you can offer, how soon it can be made accessible, and other relevant details to FEMA and HUD.

Please do not send information to MHI.

Information should be faxed to FEMA at:

(202) 646-3846
Alternate Fax: (202) 646-3695

Information should also be faxed to HUD at:

(202) 708-4213
Alternate Fax: (202) 708-2678