Some Hurricane Maria evacuees at risk of losing transitional shelter benefits

<p>Some Puerto Rican victims of Hurricane Maria who are now living in shelters or hotels in New York City as part of the Transitional Shelter Assistance Program could be at risk of displacement.</p>

News 12 Staff

Apr 16, 2018, 2:03 AM

Updated 2,202 days ago

Share:

Some Puerto Rican victims of Hurricane Maria who are now living in shelters or hotels in New York City as part of the Transitional Shelter Assistance Program could be at risk of displacement.
According to the organization YNCCA, more than 169 evacuees who were at a Bushwick phone bank to talk to officials learned that FEMA may end the  program, which gives short-term lodging assistance for evacuees who aren't able to return home for an extended or indeterminate period of time following a disaster.
Some evacuees spoke with a FEMA representative on the phone and were told that their stay in New York City would be extended until May 14. Within hours, FEMA called back some of the evacuees and told them that they would lose their transitional sheltering assistance benefits and were asked to check out of their hotels on April 21.
Mayor Bill de Blasio responded to the decision with a letter to FEMA, asking the agency to work with Puerto Rico to extend the TSA program beyond the May 14 deadline. De Blasio said that the extension is necessary, and the city is committed to helping all those in need of hurricane-related assistance.
There are over 2,100 households registered with the city’s Hurricane Relief Service Center. Some of those families now tell News 12 they don’t know where to turn.
News 12 reached out to FEMA for comment on the situation regarding the potential displacement of the evacuees, but has not heard a response.


More from News 12
1:55
Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

1:54
Temperatures return to the 60s on Friday for NYC

Temperatures return to the 60s on Friday for NYC

0:24
Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

2:03
Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:34
MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:30
Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

1:35
NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

2:02
Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

0:05
Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

1:54
Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

0:19
NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

2:07
Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

2:04
Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

1:47
Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

1:46
NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

2:25
Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

1:42
New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

1:35
The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

1:59
NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical