HUD Secretary Recognizes Florida Disaster

U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan recently announced that HUD will speed federal disaster assistance to the State of Florida and provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes due to Tropical Storm Debby last month.

HUD is offering the state and other entitlement communities the ability to re-allocate existing federal resources toward disaster relief — HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs give the state and communities the flexibility to redirect millions of dollars to address critical needs, including housing and services for disaster victims. HUD is currently contacting state and local officials to explore streamlining the Department's CDBG and HOME programs in order to expedite the repair and replacement of damaged housing.

The Department also intends to share information with FEMA and the state on housing providers that may have available units in the affected counties. This includes public housing agencies and multifamily owners. The Department will also connect FEMA and the state to subject matter experts to provide information on HUD programs and providers.