How does FEMA select who is eligible for FEMA housing as it becomes available?

As stated in the Stafford Act, all FEMA disaster assistance is provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. FEMA’s primary goal is to help survivors find safe, secure, and sustainable housing
FEMA gives preference to survivors who have no other housing resources available.
Survivors are required to provide needed documentation for their case, including:
- Documents that allow FEMA to verify the applicant’s identity.
- The applicant’s necessary expenses and serious needs which have been directly caused by the declared disaster.
- The applicant proof of occupancy (renter/lease) or ownership (owner/deed or mortgage contract).
- Housing damage or loss, verified by FEMA, through an onsite inspection.
- FEMA has already identified California wildfire survivors who qualify for temporary housing.
- Survivors whose housing situation has changed, should contact 800-621-3362 to update their case.