Figuring Out Where To Live
Finding a place to live is a big challenge for those who cannot live in their home due to a
disaster. Some actions will be different depending on whether you own your home or rent.
Below is chart and series of housing considerations to work through after a disaster.
Question 1: Where
will you live?
If you rent, first contact your
property manager/landlord
Find out when your
home will be livable
Immediately
Decide what to do, if
anything, to make your
home safe, sanitary, and
secure
In the near future
Never or too long
Contact a disaster case manager,
American Red Cross, or other agency for
possible temporary housing assistance
Arrange for temporary housing until you can
find affordable, long-term rental housing or until
your home is ready
Find alternative
affordable housing option
Determine how much money or resources you still need to get back
into your home
Proceed to Question 2
If you rent, request
return of security
deposit
Question 2: What type of insurance do you have?
Homeowners or Renters
No
Yes
Auto
Disaster-specific
(flood, etc.)
Yes
Contact insurance agent to
determine coverage for
home/housing, personal
property; and temporary housing
No
Yes
No
Contact your insurance
agent to determine
coverage
Document your damage/loss using the tips for documenting loss from the MU
Extension Right Away: A Few Tools for Financial Recovery
Determine the current amount of uncovered loss and unmet needs after or
without insurance coverage
Consider whether you can claim the property loss as a deduction on your
income taxes by contacting the IRS to receive a Disaster Loss Kit (see the MU
Extension Right Away: A Few Tools for Financial Recovery)
Proceed to Questions 3 and 4
Question 3: Is the disaster
federally declared, with FEMA1
individual Household Assistance
Programs and SBA2 low interest
loans available?
Yes
No
Apply for a FEMA
and/or SBA loan
FEMA grant
and/or SBA
loan denied;
you may
appeal
FEMA
grant and/or
SBA loan
received
Determine the current amount of loss and
unmet need, subtracting any FEMA and
SBA assistance
Proceed to Question 4
1
FEMA stands for the Federal Emergency Management Agency,
which is the primary agency that helps families and individuals
in disaster recovery. Individuals and households can apply for
FEMA’s Individual and Household Assistance Program
(IHP). For more information contact FEMA at (800) 621-FEMA
or www.FEMA.gov.
2
SBA stands for the Small Business Administration, which in
addition to helping businesses in disaster recovery, also
provides low-interest loan assistance to eligible
homeowners, renters, and eligible non-profit organizations.
Contact the SBA at 800-659-2955 or www.sba.gov.
Question 4: Is the disaster state
declared, with SBA low interest
loans or state-initiated loans and
grants available?
Yes
No
Apply for a SBA loan
and/or state loan/grant
SBA loan
and/or state
loan/grant
denied
SBA loan
and/or state
loan/grant
received
Determine the current amount of loss and
unmet need, subtracting any FEMA and
SBA assistance
If you are a flooded homeowner,
investigate if there will be a property
acquisition “buy out” program (note that
this process may take 9-24 months to
complete).
See what other types of assistance and resources
may be available to you by talking with disaster
case managers, community agencies, community
long-term disaster recovery committees and
churches or other charitable organizations. Do not
forget friends, family, and personal networks.
Post-Disaster Housing Commitments
When a natural disaster occurs, your home may be unlivable for a short period. A business you
owned or worked for may also have damages, leaving you without income. If you own your
home, you may have to make mortgage payments in addition to paying rent. Be sure you
understand the status of your financial commitments and obligations.
If you own your home
Check the rules outlined in your mortgage agreement about late, missed, or reduced payments.
Your mortgage agreement probably outlines your options when you are not able to make
mortgage payments. If you have troubles paying your mortgage, explore a workout agreement
with your lender. A workout agreement can be a temporary or permanent change to your
mortgage agreement. Try to get a workout plan that your lender will accept, you can fulfill and
that still meets your needs. Workout options will vary based on the type of mortgage you have,
your lender, and your financial situation. For more information about workout options, visit
www.hud.gov/offices/hsg.sfh/econ/loandworkoutsolutions.cfm.
If you are at risk for foreclosure, get help immediately
Foreclosure is a legal process for the lender to seize your home. You may need an attorney with
expertise on the foreclosure process in your state. A foreclosure prevention counselor can help
you look at the pros and cons of loan workout options and help you explore assistance programs
to prevent foreclosure. To find a trained foreclosure prevention counselor in your state, contact
the U. S. Housing and Urban Development office at 800-569-4287 or www.hud.gov. Other
organizations that may be able to help include:
 National Foundation for Credit Counseling (800-388-2227 or www.nfcc.org)
 Homeownership Preservation Foundation (888-995-HOPE or www.995hope.org)
 NeighborWorks America (888-995-4673 www.nw.org)
If you are a renter
 Missouri law requires your property owner to release you from your lease if your rental
unit is unlivable. Notify the property owner in writing and ask for the return of your
deposit. If you are struggling to pay rent, contact the National Foundation for Credit
Counseling (800-388-2227 or www.nfcc.org) to find a legitimate credit counselor.
Adapted from Recovery After Disaster: The Family Financial Toolkit (University of Minnesota Extension, North
Dakota State University Extension Service, and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota) by Brenda Procter, M.S.,
State Specialist & Instructor, and Graham McCaulley, M.A., Extension Graduate Assistant, Personal Financial
Planning, College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri Extension
equal opportunity/ADA institutions