GENERAL INFORMATION

Q: What is the Mississippi Alternative Housing Program (MAHP)?

A: The Mississippi Alternative Housing Program is a pilot program funded through a FEMA grant and administered by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. The Mississippi Alternative Housing Program (MAHP) is intended to demonstrate that improved housing solutions for disaster victims can be developed, tested, and used effectively following major disasters. The program will demonstrate that we can design, construct, and deliver a safer, more livable emergency housing unit that may serve as affordable housing for long-term recovery.

Q: What is the duration of the program?

A: The program lasts for 24-months and begins with the construction phase and ends with the decommissioning or sale of the units.

Q. Why should I participate in the program?

A: The Mississippi Alternative Housing Program a pilot project to explore, implement, and evaluate innovative approaches to both short and intermediate-term emergency housing solutions. The alternative housing units will be safer, more livable and environmentally friendly. You may be eligible to purchase your unit and convert it to a permanent residence if your local government allows.

Q: When will these Alternative Housing Units be available to the public?

A: We are currently installing alternative housing units.

Q: If I accept the Mississippi Alternative Housing unit, can I re-apply for another FEMA trailer after the 24 month program?

A : Once you are enrolled in this Mississippi Alternative Housing Program and have accepted a unit, FEMA assistance will no longer be available.

Q: Where can I receive more information on your program?

A: A web site is in place www.mscottage.org or

Q: Is there a toll-free number set up for questions or checking the status of my Alternative Housing Unit?

A: A call center is open Monday thru Friday 8am to 5pm 1-866-726-6247 (MAHP).

ELIGIBILITY

Q: Who is eligible to participate in the program?

A: The eligibility criteria are:

• Permanent resident in one of the Mississippi 's three coastal counties (Hancock, Harrison, Jackson ) on Aug. 29, 2005.
• Living in a FEMA provided travel trailer or mobile home in one of the three coastal counties as of April 1, 2007.
• Be listed as the applicant or co- applicant with FEMA (Head of Household)
• Must have need for alternative housing for at least six months beyond date of occupancy.

Q. How do I apply for the alternative housing pilot program?

A: No one has to apply for the program. This program created an eligible applicant pool based on the above eligibility criteria from the FEMA temporary housing database. Therefore if you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be automatically registered for the program.

Q: How was the selection made from the eligible applicant pool?

A: A proportional random selection process has been used to select and rank applicants from the eligible applicant pool. Those selected applicants are being contacted and offered the option to participate in the program. This program is voluntary. Those selected applicants will be notified by telephone and mail and given the opportunity to accept or decline the offer to receive an alternative housing unit. The selected applicants will be allowed five business days to accept the alternative housing unit.

Q: Why use a proportional random selection?

A: A goal of the program is to provide alternative housing units to a broad cross-section of the population of the Mississippi Gulf Coast . By using this system, we are able to spread the distribution across the jurisdictions, meet special disability needs and provide units to both renters and homeowners. This system provides a fair and equal process for selection.

Q. How did you receive my information without my approval?

A: You signed a release of information form with FEMA allowing them to provide your information to the State and volunteer agencies for further assistance.

Q. When will I be notified whether or not I get approved for an alternative housing unit?

A: Once a site inspection is performed and the applicant has returned all required documents, the applicant will be notified of approval of the housing unit and given a moving date. The time this process takes will vary based on factors such as the amount of time the applicant needs to obtain permits, the current availability of units, and removal of the FEMA unit. Applicants will be advised of timelines throughout the process.

Q: My spouse is head of household, but is on active duty with the military. We meet the criteria, can we still participate?

A: Either applicant or co-applicant will be eligible to discuss the alternative housing unit process.

Q: Why do I have to live in FEMA temporary housing to receive an alternative housing unit?

A: One of the goals of this program is to provide a more comfortable and safer alternative housing to the current FEMA travel trailer or mobile home tenants.

Q: If I have already received a disaster grant or an insurance settlement, am I still eligible to be selected a unit?

A: Yes, if you meet the eligibly criteria.

Q: If an applicant declines the unit upfront, will a letter be sent to the applicant stating that they declined the unit?

A: If an applicant is declining a unit up front, no matter the reason (i.e. They do not need the unit because they moved or rebuilt already), they will still receive a certified letter for them to confirm declining the program.

Q: What if I choose not to participate at this time, but then change my mind?

A: Selected applicants have 5 business days to accept the offer to receive a unit. If you decline the offer, then the next eligible applicant will be offered the unit.

Q. Is there a way to speed up the process? If I have all my paperwork together, can I get front-of-the-line?

A: Applicants are selected and ranked by proportional random selection process. You will be notified if you are selected and then the site inspection and permitting process will begin.

Q. What if a person has fallen through the cracks and has not yet received a FEMA travel trailer but is entitled to one and wants to wait for the Cottage to become available? Is he or she eligible?   

A: Eligibility for Phase I of the program will include only those individuals who meet the criteria for eligibility, which includes living in a FEMA travel trailer or mobile home as of April 1, 2007. If all units are not placed in Phase I, new eligibility criteria may be established for Phase 2

Q: What if I just moved out of my travel trailer or mobile home and started renting, am I eligible for this program?

A: No, you are not eligible for this program because you do not meet the eligibility criteria.

Q. FEMA placed me outside the lower three counties because there was not enough room. Can I still get a unit?

A: Phase I of the program requires that you live in a FEMA travel trailer or mobile home in Hancock, Harrison, or Jackson County . If all units are not placed in Phase I, new eligibility criteria may be established for Phase 2.

Q. What contract forms will I be required to sign?

A: Several documents will be signed:

•  Lease agreement

•  Release of information (ROI)

•  Maintenance Agreement

•  Agreement to participate in future surveys

•  Procedure for program closeout

•  Right of Entry (ROE)

•  A wavier for future FEMA Housing Assistance for Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita

•  A wavier with MEMA to view utility records for review of energy efficiency.

•  A release to allow MEMA to provide occupancy information to local officials.

•  Participate in survey from HUD and FEMA for a period of up to four years.

•  Applicant's acceptance letter.

OCCUPANCY

Q. Are there any costs associated with the program?

A: The tenant will be responsible for paying all utility costs and any associated minor maintenance. The unit comes with a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer and the warranty will take care of major repairs. Also, there might be additional costs depending on the site preparation needed.

Q. Who will pay for lot rent fees?

A: The applicant is responsible for any lot rent fees associated with the program.

Q. Is there a deposit to put down up front?

A: Applicants will not be required to post a deposit for their housing unit. Utility companies may require deposits for services.

Q. How long after being approved for a housing unit until I can move in?

A: A site inspection will be scheduled upon the receipt of a participation agreement letter and Right of Entry from applicants. After the site is approved, the applicant must obtain all permits for their jurisdiction. Once the permits and site preparation are complete, a delivery date will be scheduled.

Q. What will determine the type of unit I receive?

A: The type of unit you will receive will depend on the type of unit you currently occupy. Unit types will be matched up to the greatest extent possible: travel trailers with the Park Model, and mobile homes with Mississippi Cottage. However in some circumstances it may be appropriate for a family living in a travel trailer to receive a larger unit. Each special request will be evaluated. If you have special circumstances concerning your unit, it can be evaluated.

Q. Can I take my pet in my unit with me?

A: Domestic house pets are allowed in the Alternative Housing Units in accordance with local ordinances. You will be responsible for any damages caused by the pet.

Q. Is assistance going to be provided for transferring household goods from the FEMA travel trailer to the new unit?

A: Moving and living arrangements are the responsibility of the applicant. Applicants should prepare to provide storage and lodging for up to five days. MEMA is working with volunteer agencies to assist the needs of applicants with special circumstances.

Q. I am disabled and need assistance in obtaining a building permit, moving and doing the necessary things to participate in the program. Where can I get help?

A: Mississippi Alternative Housing Program staff will provide you with the assistance you need throughout the entire process.

Q. Can I run a commercial business from my alternative housing unit?

A: The alternative housing units are for residential use only and cannot be used for commercial purposes. Once the unit is purchased, the homeowner must adhere to local permitting and ordinances.

Q. Will I have a specific caseworker assigned to me like I do with FEMA?

A: You will not have a caseworker assigned. We will make regular contact with you to assist you in moving toward a permanent housing solution and in gathering feedback on the alternative housing unit in which you reside.

Q. What types of appliances are in the Alternative Housing Units?

A: All electric appliances except for washer/dryer including: refrigerator, central heating/cooling, stove/range, microwave. There are washer/dryer hookups for a stackable unit

Q. Can I keep the travel trailer and have an alternative housing unit if my family is large enough to support it?

A: FEMA units will be removed upon delivery of the alternative housing unit.

Q. Can I add an addition onto my alternative housing unit?

A: If the unit is still owned by the state then no additional construction is allowed. If the tenant purchases their unit, then additions that meet local ordinances and permits may be constructed by the owner.

Q. What is the maximum amount of people I can have occupying a housing unit?

A: Alternative housing units will be awarded based on current FEMA data. Local ordinances will dictate occupancy maximums.

Q. Will you share tenant information with local governments?

A: Yes. Local governments will be provided occupancy information for alternative housing units.

Q. What actions will be taken to remove problem tenants in the alternative housing units?

A: Occupants will agree to have their occupant information shared with local law enforcement officials and will be subject to the same ordinances and laws as other citizens. If occupants abuse or misuse the housing unit or violate their occupancy agreement, they may be asked to vacate the unit.

Q. Can I accept a unit but have a family member (i.e. sister/child) live in it?

A: The purpose of the program is to help Hurricane Katrina victims who are currently living in FEMA temporary housing units. If an applicant is not going to live in the unit, you are not eligible to receive a unit.

PURCHASE

Q. If I am selected to receive an alternative housing unit, can I purchase it at the end of the program?

A: Yes, occupants will be allowed to purchase the unit at any time during the pilot program at fair market value. However some jurisdictions allow alternative housing units for temporary use only.

Q. Am I required to purchase insurance for my alternative housing unit?

A: You do not need insurance to cover your alternative housing unit while you are participating in the program. However, we HIGHLY recommend that occupant purchase renter's insurance to cover personal property. If you decide to purchase your unit, you will be responsible for securing your own homeowner's insurance.

Q. If I have bad credit. Can I still purchase the alternative housing unit?

A: Applicants will be responsible for their own financing.

Q. Will there be financial assistance if I cannot afford to buy this unit?

A: We will work with occupants to identify financial assistance from government agencies and non-profit groups.

LOCATION

Q. Where will the alternative housing unit be placed?

A: Most alternative housing units will be placed on individual lots. They can also be placed on commercial group sites, or other multi-family sites that may be identified through non-profit and volunteer organizations or local governments.

Q: Do I have to have land available, or does the state have designated locations for this alternative housing unit?

A: We are actively working with commercial sites, local government and non- profit groups to identify multi-family sites; however occupants may be responsible for finding a site for their alternative housing unit.

Q. Can I put my housing unit on a relative's land?

A: If the landowner agrees in writing to allow placement of a unit for the appropriate length of time and the tenant obtains all permits, the unit can be placed on any private property. Jurisdiction must approve these types of arrangements.

Q. What options do applicants have if the jurisdiction in which they live does not allow alternative housing units to be sited in their jurisdiction or on their property?

A: This program is voluntary for both applicants and local jurisdictions. We are working with local jurisdictions in an effort to gain their participation. Potential applicants living in jurisdictions that choose not to participate will be included in the initial random proportional selection process. Those selected will be notified and given the option to accept an alternative housing unit if they have an alternate location on which to place the unit or agree to move to a multi-family site in another area.

Q: Can the unit be placed in a flood zone?

A: The unit can be placed in a flood zone on a temporary basis, however if the unit is purchased, the unit then must adhere to all permits for that jurisdiction. The program will assist in the elevation process up to 4 feet.