With time running out, what comes next for some staying in FEMA housing?

Phoenix, Ore. — It's been over two years since the Almeda Fire destroyed thousands of homes and upended countless lives. Many have moved on, but for those still living in FEMA housing that's not always an option. This is especially true as time is running out until they have to move.

"I just want to be okay. That's not too much to ask, I don't think," said Trecia Lillibridge, one of the many staying in FEMA housing at Coleman Creek Estates in Phoenix. She's been there for a year after living in a hotel in Ashland for a year. Now, with time running out, she's worried about what will come next for her and her disabled husband.

"I can't be separated from him. No one's going to care for him the way I do. I just want to know we're okay. We had a home, I didn't burn it. Everything we owned but the clothes on our back," she said.

Lillibridge says she can't afford the rate being offered to her to purchase the home outright as part of FEMA's home ownership program following a disaster, and isn't sure where to turn.

Meanwhile, others say they haven't been able to get an offer at all despite the program.

"I've been asking for offers since February," said Barbara Frederick, who is also staying at Coleman Creek. "We told them right off the bat we were interested. We are in the reunification process with DHS to get my three children back."

Frederick says she's been told an offer was already made on her FEMA home at Coleman Creek, but she disputes that. She had previously been staying at a different, smaller trailer at the Southern Oregon R/V Park following the fire.

"I've talked to FEMA, I've talked to Catholic Charities and they all tell me I've gotten a bid and denied it. That was the bid for the old unit. I need a new bid," she said.

The families staying at Coleman Creek have been told they have until March to figure out a long term plan, or they may be out of luck.

Typically, families can stay in FEMA housing for 18 months following a disaster declaration. That has been extended an additional year already, and its possible it may be extended again due to the lack of available housing in the Rogue Valley and the extent of the damage following the Almeda Fire.

FEMA did not respond to a request for comment on Monday.