GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – As of now, the deadline for the closure of FEMA temporary housing for Camp Fire survivors is set for May 12^th of this year.

Resource groups, community relief groups, city and county officials are working closely with FEMA and CAL OES to expediting localized planning to prepare for the exit of FEMA and the financial/organizational assistance they provide. The biggest concern? Affordable and available housing.

According to information gleaned from multiple media agencies and local Gridley Relief Group meetings were representatives from both FEMA and Cal OES are present, FEMA has been pulling resources out of the area slowly for months now. As part of FEMA protocol, once an action plan is established, official FEMA agents transfer out of the area to other disasters, turning over the recovery and relief efforts to local persons operating as FEMA approved Disaster Case Managers (DCM’s) or Voluntary Assistance Liaisons (VAL’s).  These DCM’s and VAL’s work closely with officials at the city, county and up to the state level.

With the current May 12^th, 2020 deadline for the closure or FEMA Temporary housing communities looming on the horizon, Butte County, along with FEMA DCM/VALS, CAL OES, Assemblymen and Governor Newsom, have requested a year extension for FEMA assistance. According to CAL OES Emergency Service Coordinator, Alex Shariatmadari, the extension request was submitted approximately 2 weeks ago, weeks before the February deadline.

Officials remain hopeful that the extension will be approved, but FEMA and CAL OES are already educating local cities, the county and relief groups on the process that will be implemented if the extension is not granted. If the 12-month extension is approved, according to Shariatmadari and FEMA Group Housing Supervisor, Elizabeth Luna, there will be a 6-month review and reevaluation of need. From our understanding, the protocol for exit outlined below would be followed at that time (May 2021).

In the event that the extension is denied, residents in FEMA temporary housing, like the FEMA community at the Gridley Industrial Park, will be expected to vacate the premises. With limited affordable housing available, FEMA is aware that the exodus from the parks will not happen overnight. Residents will be given a hand-delivered 60-day notice regarding the mandatory exit date and a 30-day notice. Beginning May 12^th, residents remaining at the camps will be charged rent for their continued occupancy.

Rent will be based off the Housing Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rates (FMR). HUD FMR 2019 rates range from $894 for a single bedroom Modular Housing Unit up to $1164 for a 3-bedroom unit. Occupants will also be assessed a penalty along with rent. Luna states that in the event that the extension is not approved, other recourses will be available for occupants.

In the meantime, the City of Gridley and its City Council are expediting affordable housing development in the area, including senior housing, while also creating incentives and ordinances to motivate owners of empty houses to make those available for potential buyers or renters.

Only time will tell if the extension will be approved. Shariatmadari and Luna are hoping for an answer in the next 6 weeks.