Politics & Government

Transitional Shelter Assistance Program Gets Final Extension

The program has been extended several times following Hurricane Sandy.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Transitional Sheltering Assistance program has been extended to April 30, Gov. Chris Christie's Administration announced Thursday, for what is likely the last time following Hurricane Sandy.

The purpose of the TSA program is to shelter residents who have lost their homes due to the late October storm. Those participating in the TSA program are being housed in hotels and motels throughout the state. 

As of Thursday, roughly 219 Sandy-displaced residents are housed through the TSA program. Over the course of the month FEMA, along with the State Departments of Community Affairs and Human Services will work at identifying and securing long-term housing solutions for those who remain in the program.

Find out what's happening in Toms Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The TSA program was launched in New Jersey on Nov. 1. Since then, more than 5,500 displaced families have found temporary shelter at approximately 435 hotels and motels. According to FEMA, more than 253,425 room nights have been provided with the total cost of the program nearing $34 million. 

Soon, the remaining 219 families will leave the TSA program and enter more appropriate housing, a process which FEMA has informed the State is well underway.

Find out what's happening in Toms Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"FEMA's Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program has been invaluable in giving Sandy-displaced families the time they need to find a safe, suitable housing solution that works for them," Christie said in a release. "Now, six months after Sandy’s landfall, we are able to conclude the program with an effort to help the last remaining families solidify a long-term housing solution."

The DCA has partnered with the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency and with non-profit organizations like Socialserve.com to update and add new rental listings to the New Jersey Housing Resource Center.

The Christie Administration has also set aside 1,000 Special Admissions vouchers, which are provided through the Section 8 housing program. They are designed to help low-income, Sandy-displaced residents move into suitable rental properties.


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