GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – After months of it looking like the end was near for the FEMA Direct Housing Program, another extension has been granted past the May 2021 deadline.

Originally, the temporary housing facility established for Camp Fire Survivors at the Gridley Industrial Park, was supposed to be available for fire evacuees until June of 2020, with the potential to extend until 2021. Ideally, both Cal OES and FEMA had hoped to utilize the park for less than that time and return it to the City of Gridley.

Last year in March, a year extension was granted to those living in the FEMA parks, with the stipulation that those remaining would be required to pay rent. Rent would be based on current housing market values based on bedrooms/baths in the unit. Certain applicants could qualify for reduced rent or appeal the charges altogether.

With the hard deadline of May 2021 approaching rapidly, FEMA reps and FEMA residents nervously considered the few options for those still at the site, which wasn’t much. Concerned volunteers with the Gridley Relief Group worried that residents would be put out on the streets.

Then, Camp Fire survivors still at the site got some great news: FEMA has agreed to sell the modular housing units to the survivors and has extended the deadline.

At the most recent Gridley Relief Group meeting, Bruce Yerman, Voluntary Liaison for FEMA outlined what that would look like. Only residents in good standing would qualify for potential MHU purchases. Yerman shares that letters of intent were sent to residents living at the FEMA park last week, notifying survivors of the opportunity to purchase the units they are currently living in. Residents have 15 days to respond to FEMA whether they are interested in purchasing their unit. If so, FEMA will calculate an offer for the unit based on the National Automobile Dealers Association pricing guide. Because each unit is different (age, bedrooms, condition) FEMA is hesitant to share pricing information due to the varying costs.  Those purchasing the units will be fully responsible for utilities, transportation costs, insurance, liability, etc. FEMA will not provide any financial assistance in purchasing these units. FEMA estimates about 90 qualifying residences between the Gridley and Hegan sites.

In addition to the potential sales of the units, FEMA has announced the End of Program Date has now been extended to September 12, 2021. Residents are in the process of being notified of the extension and that rent for units will be enforced beginning May 13, 2021, with the first payments due June 1^st.