U.S. News

Actions

Judge Extends FEMA Shelter Program For Puerto Rico Evacuees Again

Prior to Wednesday's order, a previous extension had required evacuees to checkout of hotels by August 7.
Posted
and last updated

FEMA's going to be footing the housing bill for Puerto Ricans who were displaced by Hurricane Maria last year for at least a little longer. 

A federal judge ordered the agency to extend its temporary shelter program again Wednesday. This means hurricane evacuees can stay in hotels and motels on the mainland until August 31. 

FEMA originally planned to end its Transitional Sheltering Assistance program at the end of June. Prior to Wednesday's order, a previous extension had required evacuees to checkout by August 7.

Reuters reports that more than 1,000 families who lost their homes when Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico are currently enrolled in the program.

Maria was the first Category 4 storm to directly hit Puerto Rico in about 85 years