FEMA is extending housing assistance to Puerto Rican evacuees until June 30th and says this will be the final extension.
This only applies to those currently checked into approved housing, said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Byrne.
“By the end of the 30th it will be some nine months into this,” said Byrne. “The emergency has passed, and we’re now providing assistance and other alternatives that are certainly more compassionate for these families.”
So far, $1.2 billion in assistance grants have gone out to help evacuees of hurricanes Maria and Irma, said Byrne.
FEMA will help with rental assistance and home repairs.
FEMA is also paying for flights back to the island with an extra $100 to cover baggage check and pets. Those flights will be paid directly to the airline. Puerto Ricans who have already flown back will not be reimbursed.
Byrne said there are 2,310 evacuees in temporary housing in more than 30 states and Puerto Rico. FEMA expects 10 percent of them will return home.