FEMA extends hotel stays for Sandy-affected families

Federal officials are extending to May 1 hotel stays for people who were ousted from homes that were severely damaged or destroyed by superstorm Sandy.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which pays for the hotel stays for eligible residents, approved a 17-day extension to the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program after New York State officials requested it.

"This extension is good news for New Yorkers displaced after Sandy, who will now be able to stay in temporary housing for an additional seventeen days," said Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), when the extension was announced on April 11. "I applaud FEMA for continuing to extend these benefits through the warmer weather and allowing displaced victims of Sandy the ability to stay in temporary housing while working to repair their homes."

Unless another extension is granted, people who are taking advantage of the assistance program now must check out of hotels by May 1.