NEW ORLEANS – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) transitional sheltering initiative for applicants displaced by hurricanes Gustav and Ike, scheduled to end Oct. 28, has been extended to Nov. 12, 2008.

Applicants who have not yet received a FEMA inspection of their damaged home as of October 11, or applicants who were not approved for FEMA rental assistance as of October 11, are being notified that they have been extended to November 12, 2008.  FEMA may authorize extended stays beyond Nov. 12 as needed and will notify those applicants individually.

Applicants who are deemed ineligible for transitional sheltering assistance are being notified that FEMA will no longer pay for their hotel beyond Oct. 28, 2008. These applicants will not be granted a further extension and applicants who choose to remain in hotels the night of Oct. 28 and beyond will do so at their own expense. Applicants who believe they have received their notification in error or who may have other disaster-related questions may call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 or visit www.fema.gov by clicking on “Apply for Assistance” for more information.

The intent of transitional sheltering assistance is to provide shelter alternatives to evacuees who need a place to stay because they are unable to live in their homes due to damage or power outages caused by Hurricane Gustav or Ike. Transitional sheltering assistance allows eligible individuals or families to stay in a hotel or motel for a limited time and have the cost of the room and taxes paid directly to the hotel by FEMA. Meals, telephone calls and other incidental charges are not covered.

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.