Fewer People In FEMA Trailers | Video

Julie Leonardi | 3/8/2013

As of early February, there were a total of 462 occupied FEMA trailers and the numbers continue to go down. Although it was a short month, FEMA saw a significant decrease in people still living in trailers.

Brian Hvinden, FEMA Spokesperson, explained, “As of the end of February, we’re right around 400 occupied units. So we really look at that as tremendous progress.”

FEMA says about 70 households were able to find permanent housing this past month.

“We`ve noticed a big jump in the available number of rental properties and people are moving into those.”

In 2011, FEMA provided more than 2,000 mobile homes. So having just around 400 left is exciting progress for everyone.

“Much like the residents that are able to return home, it certainly makes us feel good that we`re able to see that kind of movement in such a positive direction. Certainly all the folks here with FEMA feel like it`s a part of a job well done on their part, and happy news for the residents that are moving home.”

Fifty-six trailers are still on private property, while the rest are in Virgil Workman Village and in Burlington.

As of Friday afternoon, 74 FEMA trailers have been sold to people that want to keep them permanently.

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