Expanding the Stafford Act

The Stafford Act plays a crucial role in providing federal assistance to states and localities in the wake of natural disasters and emergencies. However, as we’ve seen with devastating events like Hurricane Katrina, the 2016 floods in Louisiana, Hurricane Ida, and more recent hurricanes and wildfires across the nation, our disaster response infrastructure is insufficient when it comes to meeting the urgent housing needs of displaced families.

Currently, the Stafford Act does not automatically allocate funds for emergency housing in the immediate aftermath of disasters, leaving many individuals and families without safe and stable shelter for extended periods. This gap in our response system exacerbates suffering and slows down recovery efforts, particularly for those in low-income and underserved communities who are hit hardest by disasters.

If elected, I am committed to supporting legislation that would amend the Stafford Act to allow emergency housing funds to be allocated automatically in the case of a disaster or emergency, without penalty to the operators providing shelter and services.

Key provisions I will advocate for include:

• Automatic Allocation of Funds for Housing: This would ensure that federal disaster relief funds are automatically used to provide immediate housing solutions, such as temporary shelters, hotel vouchers, or modular housing units, without waiting for prolonged approvals.
• No Penalty for Operators: It is critical that operators of emergency housing facilities, such as hotels, shelters, and nonprofit organizations, are not penalized for stepping up to assist in times of crisis. These operators should be reimbursed fairly and promptly for their contributions to disaster recovery efforts.
• Equity in Housing Access: Any amendment to the Stafford Act must ensure that housing is distributed equitably, with special attention to vulnerable populations like low-income families, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, has access to safe, temporary housing in times of crisis.

Housing is one of the most immediate needs following any disaster. By adding these provisions to the Stafford Act, we can create a more streamlined and compassionate response system that prioritizes housing and prevents prolonged displacement. This would also support quicker recovery for communities by ensuring families have stable housing as they rebuild their lives.

Expanding the Stafford Act to include automatic emergency housing funds will not only improve disaster recovery efforts but also reflect our nation’s commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens in times of crisis. I am committed to championing this issue in Congress, ensuring that when disaster strikes, no family is left without a roof over their heads.