FEMA trailer eviction deadline ambiguous

NEW ORLEANS, May 3 (UPI) -- Louisiana residents in government-supplied Hurricane Katrina trailers past Friday's deadline to vacate them are getting conflicting messages, advocates say.

On one hand, some caseworkers warned trailer residents that the Federal Emergency Management Administration would put them out on the street, while others told advocates FEMA is willing to work with residents on a case-by-case basis and would remove only vacant trailers, The (New Orleans) Times-Picayune reported Sunday.

FEMA officials in Washington, however, told the newspaper they couldn't assure any residents they would be able to stay in trailers provided after the devastating 2005 hurricane under the Temporary Housing Program for Katrina victims. About 2,000 families are living under the program in trailers and in local hotels.

"The program ends May 1," FEMA spokesman Clark Stevens said.

He wouldn't tell the Times-Picayune, however, if legitimately occupied trailers would be removed immediately.

Laura Tuggle, head of housing law at Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, said FEMA's ambiguity is causing much worry to the trailers' mostly elderly and disabled occupants.