CEDAR RAPIDS — A seven-month extension will allow Iowa flood victims to live in temporary housing until June 27, 2010.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency granted the extension Friday, according to Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa.

Loebsack had written to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, urging him to allow the families extra time to find housing.
Without the extension, flood victims would have had to leave the mobile homes on Nov. 27.

Loebsack noted that transitioning to new homes during Iowa’s harsh winter months would be particularly difficult and children would be uprooted from their schools in the middle of the school year if they were forced to move.

“This will help a lot of people who are still struggling to get back in their homes,” said Sabrina Siddiqui, communications director for Loebsack.
As of this week, 124 families remained in the units, down from 197 on Aug. 18.

Just over a year ago, at the peak of the disaster, 564 families were staying in the temporary units.

Families may continue to live in the homes as long as they are eligible. FEMA housing specialists work with each household to assist their plans for permanent housing.

“Allowing these disaster victims additional time in FEMA temporary housing, and allowing the community more time to repair and build affordable housing to accommodate these families, will help ensure a stronger overall recovery for the community,” Loebsack wrote to Fugate.