Emergency Housing
Two & a Half Years Later: Surviving the FEMA Aftermath…
FEMA’s inability to meet emergency housing needs has become a national scandal. The roots of this problem lie in a deeply flawed procurement process, and without drastic changes the current fiasco of providng substandard, dangerous housing for disaster victims is bound to repeat itself.
This paper outlines the necessary steps for FEMA to take to properly replace formaldehyde filled travel trailers, and to fundamentally fix the agency's approach to housing procurement.
FAS is heavily involved in efforts to provide emergency housing solutions that are safe and energy efficient. FAS program manager Joe Hagerman worked in depth with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency to design and deliver 2,500 dual certified modular housing units to citizens of Mississippi affected by Hurrican Katrina. With the lessons learned from this experience, FAS continues to advise FEMA on procurement strategies and proper planning for emergency relief. In addition to further advisory work, the Building Technologies Program looks to continue its involvement with emergency housing with projects to design quickly procured housing units that can double as permanent affordable housing stock.
Featured Items
FAS's Role with MEMA and the AHPP
FAS worked closely with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency on a state proposal for the Alternative Housing Pilot Program. Learn More...
Procurement Suggestions
Using lessons learned from FAS's involvement in the state of Mississippi's proposal for the AHPP, FAS has deatiled suggested procurement strategies for emergency housing. Read More...
A pdf version of this article can be found here.
