FEMA brings temporary housing aid to Linn County fire victims

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is ramping up their Direct Temporary Housing Program months after wildfires destroyed several communities in western Oregon.

And the weekend.

It's been 4 months since oregon wildfires destroyed thousands of homes -- but relief is*finally on the way.

In our fire watch coverage: kezi 9 news reporter kennedy dendy tells us about the federal housing assistance that is*finally rolling in -- at least for some counties.

Nearly*220 families qualified for fema's housing assistance between jackson, lincoln, linn and marion counties -- 20 now benefiting from temporary units in linn and marion.

This comes after so many are still navigating the rebuilding process.

La-tanga: "it looks like home.

It looks like safety."

The homes have a thermostat, they're well-lit, a kitchen, a shower-- and there's all types of sizes.

6 bridge: but what about those here in lane county who were hit hard by the devastating wildfires?

I'm told by hopes that just because fema started with linn and marion county -- doesn't mean lane will be completely excluded.

La-tanga: "is there a place to develop for manufactured homes to be placed in that community.?

Will the community be accepting of the homes?"

Lane county commissioner heather buch told me tuesday that the county originally applied for the help but was not accepted.

Buch: "we're more hopeful this time."

So they've been in constant communication with the state and fema.

Buch: "we think we have a pretty strong appeal where they will be able to help us, and we need that help."

This free temporary housing program is provided to survivors for up to 18 months.

For linn county, the housing project is set to kick off early next month.

Buch: "we're looking forward to getting recovery underway in 2021.

We know that people are resilient and we've seen the best of people come out and