Foreclosed Homes May Be Used for Hurricane Shelters

June 5, 2009

Florida government officials recently announced their decision to use the hundreds of foreclosed homes that are now sitting empty throughout the state for some good. The houses and trailers will be used as temporary shelters during hurricane season, which is rapidly approaching.

When Hurricane Katrina hit, those affected were packed into hospitals, schools, and makeshift shelters. Those who could went to stay with family members and friends in other parts of the country. However, many more were located to remote parts of the country- far away from their friends and their homes.

By utilizing the properties that are sitting empty throughout the area, including those in Florida, the government hopes to alleviate some of the stresses involved with having to relocate far away after a devastating storm.

Though the project is in its infancy, FEMA has plans to begin contacting banks and other mortgage holders to see if they would be interested in participation in the event of a crisis. The organization is hoping that this plan will serve as a model for the rest of the nation after a natural disaster strikes an area.