Kentucky buys 200 travel trailers to serve as medium-term housing for tornado survivors

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WZTV) — Kentucky Gov, Andy Beshear announced Thursday that the state bought 200 travel trailers to help displaced tornado survivors.

The medium-term housing was purchased from RV dealers across the state through the Commonwealth Sheltering Program. The trailers will go to certain residents from 16 counties whose homes or apartments were demolished or damaged by the vicious Dec. 10-11 storms.

“These 200 travel trailers will provide some much needed medium-term housing for our people,” said Gov. Beshear. “We will be placing individuals in these temporary trailers who are not eligible for FEMA Direct Housing or sheltering from another agency or provider and priority will be given to families with school-age children. We’re also focusing on survivors currently staying at one of our Kentucky State Parks or a hotel outside of their home community. The travel trailers will provide more elbow room than hotels, more privacy and a safe space for the time being.”

20 of the travel trailers are expected to be set up and move-in ready by Friday. Half of them will be at the Mayfield Mobile Home Community and the other half at the Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park campground.

According to the governor's office, all of the travel trailers are brand new, either a 2022 or 2021 model, and range in size from 27 ft. long to 36 ft. long. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will help place the medium-term housing solutions.

To be eligible for the Commonwealth Sheltering Program, families must first register with FEMA before the disaster assistance deadline of Feb. 11. To apply for FEMA assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

To find a Disaster Recovery Center visit fema.gov/drc or call the FEMA Helpline.