Here in Georgia, we're no strangers to powerful storms and hurricanes. As these storms pass through, they can leave a significant amount of damage in their wake. It's unfortunately all too common for storms to force Georgia residents out of their homes, sometimes for extended periods of time. When this happens, you need to quickly find a safe place to stay while you restore your home or find another place to live.
Thankfully, temporary housing options exist all over Georgia. Below, we'll outline the temporary housing options available after a hurricane in Georgia along with the resources available to help you find a place to stay.
Temporary Housing Options After a Hurricane
If you need a place to stay after a hurricane, there are several options available to you. Some temporary housing options include:
Shelters
Shelters are one of the most common choices for evacuees. Run by organizations like the Red Cross or local governments, housing shelters can provide basic amenities, such as beds, food, and water.
Hotels and Motels
Another common option is to find a nearby hotel or motel that's still operating after the hurricane. Depending on the extent of the damage in your area, you may need to travel a fair distance away from your hometown in order to find an available room. Hotels and motels are good options for both short-term and long-term needs, especially if you are eligible for financial assistance through government programs or your insurance.
Rental Assistance
There are organizations available that provide assistance for renting an apartment or house following hurricane damage to your home. Similarly, your home insurance may cover the cost of renting an apartment or home. Renting a home or apartment is typically a more long-term-oriented solution for when you expect to be out of your home for an extended period of time.
Mobile Homes or RVs
Similar to renting a home or apartment, some evacuees may stay inside a mobile home or RV for an extended period of time. In some cases, FEMA will provide a mobile home as a longer-term option. You may also be able to find an RV or trailer available for rent following a hurricane.
Community-Based Housing
In Georgia, you can typically find community-based housing solutions following a hurricane as well. Community-based housing is found in places like churches, schools, and community centers throughout Georgia. Typically, these locations are more of a short-term solution, as they house many families at once.
Family or Friends
If you're able, look to stay with family or friends following hurricane home damage. If a close friend or family member has a spare room, you may be able to stay there until your home is restored. There are many benefits to staying with someone you know, such as lower costs and comfort.
Online Rental Platforms
Finally, following severe hurricanes, some online rental platforms offer free housing to those in need. You can check the major online rental platforms to see if they have any active programs in your area following a hurricane.
Local Shelters
Here in Augusta, GA, there are several housing shelters available to assist people following a hurricane. A few housing shelters in the Augusta area you can explore include:
- May Park Rec Center – 622 4th St.
- Bell Auditorium – 712 Telfair St.
- Henry Brigham Community Center – 2463 Golden Camp Road
- The Salvation Army Center of Hope – 1384 Greene St.
If you're outside Augusta, or if those shelters do not have any vacancies, a few other shelters throughout Georgia include:
- Central Square Complex – 216 S. Madison Ave., Douglas, GA 31533
- Cook County High School – 9900 GA 37 Adel, GA 31620
- Lanier County High School – 52 W. Patten Ave., Lakeland, GA 31635
- Park Avenue Methodist Church – 100 E. Park Ave., Valdosta, GA 31602
- Sweetwater Recreation Park – 180 Sweetwater Road, Thomson, GA 30821
- Rec Dept. Gym – 705 College Ave., Blackshear, GA 31516
- Telfair Recreation Center – 240 E. Oak St., McCrae-Helena, GA 31055
- Treutlen Old High School – 7892 GA Hwy 29, Soperton, GA 30457
Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency
One agency designed to help Georgia residents following a hurricane is the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency. On their website, you can learn more about the assistance available to individuals, such as grants for temporary housing or home repairs.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Besides the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, there's also the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which exists to assist people following a natural disaster. FEMA offers displacement assistance, which is money to help with immediate housing needs if you can't live in your home after a hurricane. It also offers rental assistance, which can help you pay for somewhere else to live while you get repairs done to your home.
You can apply for individual assistance either through www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the free helpline at 1-800-621-3362. There is also a FEMA app that you can download on your smartphone.
Airbnb.org
As we mentioned above, some online rental organizations provide free housing after a natural disaster. Airbnb.org is one of these organizations. According to Airbnb.org., "Stays are completely free for guests and are funded by Airbnb.org and the generosity of Airbnb hosts — many of whom offer their home for free or at a discount through Airbnb.org."
To find housing support, contact your local 211, which you can find at 211.org, or reach out to Greater Valdosta United Way at (229) 242-2208. Airbnb.org is currently only offering temporary housing in Effingham, Chatham, Bryan, Liberty, Long, Taliaferro, Wilkes, Lincoln, Colombia, McDuffie, Warren, Richmond, Burke, Glascock, Jefferson, Screven, Atkinson, Bacon, Berrien, Brooks, Clinch, Coffee, Echols, Jeff Davis, Lanier, Lowndes, and Ware counties,
Find the Support You Need in Georgia Following a Hurricane
Being displaced from your home for any amount of time is a stressful situation. Luckily, there are plenty of places throughout Georgia that are ready to help you with temporary housing assistance. Which housing option best suits your needs will depend on factors like how long you need housing, what your insurance covers, and what government benefits you're eligible for. Take the time to explore your options, then contact one of the resources above to find temporary housing near you.