Disaster Assistance

In response to the 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes, Congress provided about $130 billion in disaster recovery assistance, including assistance for permanent housing. The objectives of this report were to review: (1) how federal disaster-related assistance for permanent housing has been provided to homeowners and rental property owners; (2) the extent to which federally funded programs have responded to the needs of homeowners and rental property owners; and (3) the challenges that homeowners and rental property owners have faced in applying for and using fed. assistance, and potential options for addressing these challenges. Includes recommendations. Charts and tables.