Disaster Recovery Temporary Housing Program (DRTHP)

The State of Iowa Disaster Recovery Temporary Housing Program was available to to survivors whose homes were majorly damaged, destroyed, or deemed not habitable in one of the eligible counties impacted by severe weather starting on April 26-27, May 20-31, or June 16 and continuing in 2024. The program provided emergency sheltering in travel trailers or recreational vehicles to eligible survivors who were unable to locate rental homes or apartments and agreed to the terms and conditions of the program. 

• Survivors first had to apply to FEMA for disaster assistance to be considered for the State of Iowa Disaster Recovery Temporary Housing Program. FEMA and Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management coordinated to ensure there was no duplication of benefits in providing emergency sheltering.
• This program was intended to allow participants to return or remain in their own communities and made families with children, and the elderly, a priority.

The State of Iowa, through the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM).

The program was a short-term (6-month) program with a focus on transitioning survivors into longer-term housing.

Survivors who were still in need of temporary housing after the initial 6-month program were transitioned to winter-ready housing at hotels. The State of Iowa actively worked with survivors to ensure their needs were met and to create a housing plan.

Severe weather survivors must have resided in a primary residence that was majorly damaged or destroyed during the May or June disasters in 2024 in eligible counties. If a home was deemed habitable, it would not qualify. 

Residents had to follow all laws and emergency sheltering rules provided by the State of Iowa. Failure to do so would have resulted in dismissal from the facility. 

The Program was for survivors from the 14 counties impacted by severe weather and declared for FEMA Individual and Public Assistance on related to the disasters that occurred on  April 26-27, May 20-31, or June 16, 2024, and counting. To be eligible for the program, survivors must have registered with FEMA; be seeking shelter in their eligible county; have a home that was majorly damaged, destroyed or not habitable; and agreed to the program terms.

Yes, survivors had to first apply with FEMA for disaster assistance to be eligible for the Program. The State of Iowa determined if the home was majorly damaged, destroyed or not habitable, and that it was the owner or renter’s pre-disaster primary residence.

Yes, survivors who apply for FEMA disaster assistance to access the State's Program may  have been eligible for FEMA financial assistance for home repair and loss of personal property.