Representative Sean Maloney (D-NY) issued a letter to FEMA Administrator Brock Long urging him to reconsider FEMA’s May 15 denial of Puerto Rico Governor Rossello’s request that the Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP) be activated for survivors of Hurricane Maria. DHAP, funded by FEMA and administered by HUD, provides longer-term housing assistance and wrap-around services to help low income disaster survivors rebuild their lives.
“Puerto Rico is home to over three million Americans who contribute to our national economy and have family members across the continental United States, many of whom are in New York’s 18th district,” Mr. Maloney stated. “No American should have to struggle to find housing, especially after a disaster—and especially when there are programs that were created specifically to alleviate suffering in such situations.”
A press release from Representative Maloney’s office noted the swifter provision of disaster relief by FEMA in Texas and Florida compared to Puerto Rico. FEMA’s denial of the Governor’s DHAP request came five months after the request was made.
Mr. Maloney quoted NLIHC President and CEO Diane Yentel in his press release: “It is unacceptable that FEMA continues to refuse to address the housing needs of vulnerable disaster survivors, including the lowest income seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children. We appreciate Rep. Maloney’s leadership in helping to hold FEMA accountable.”
Read Mr. Maloney’s letter and press release at: https://bit.ly/2LcTVwm
Learn more about DHAP at: https://bit.ly/2LJdAot