More than 17-thousand Florida families moved into FEMA housing. The deadline to move out is October 31s. But a new program could give them more time.

It allows occupied units to be donated to eligible non-profit groups, or county governments…giving residents more time to find somewhere else to live. So far ownership of all FEMA mobile homes in more than a dozen counties has been transferred to non-profits. In return they provide insurance and let the families stay at least another year.

FEMA Public Affairs Officer Mildred Acevedo says they hope non-profits also take over in Southwest Florida.

“We’ve been working very closely with Charlotte County, and Desoto and Hardee where we have the majority of residents. And there’s still time. There is a plan in progress to work with these families.”

About 100 FEMA trailers remain occupied in Southwest Florida. Residents also have the option to buy the mobile homes directly from FEMA. Acevedo says the price is based on income. And she says many of the remaining families have already made moving plans. Mike Kiniry, WGCU News.