The efforts continue to cleanup storm-ravaged communities across the state.This weekend FEMA is bringing in mobile homes for families who can't find rental housing while they try to rebuild.
For those who have lost everything - FEMA is trucking in hope, in the form of mobile homes.
“They come with everything- a microwave, a table, four chairs and couch,” explained Peggy Siers with FEMA.
The first round of 25 temporary housing trailers are landing in Cobleskill this weekend.
The two and three bedroom houses are available for flood victims across the state who qualify for aid.
"They may have been living with family or friends but the welcome mat may wear thin on those arrangements,” said FEMA representative Nate Custer.
“There is a larger bed for adults, bunk beds for kids, and the showers are nice,” Siers explained as she walked our news crew through the trailer.
The trailers have heat and A/C, a washer/dryer hookup, Energy Star appliances, and a living kit with towels, pillows, cleaning supplies and more.
“It’s everything you need to get started in setting up your life again,” Siers said.
The homes are temporary relief for families trying to rebuild, like so many folks in Rotterdam Junction.
While FEMA and volunteers help those families, Saturday, volunteers helped volunteers.
The "Sandwich Brigade" provided free lunch at St. Margaret’s Church.
“With mosquitoes and everything, you're outside, you’re hungry, and it’s so nice that someone else is doing the very worthwhile volunteering effort,” explained volunteer Kelly de la Rocha.
From traveling volunteers - to boxed lunches - and portable homes - the efforts continue to help New Yorkers rebuild in the days, weeks, and months following Irene.
Families can stay in these mobile homes for up to 18 months.
But FEMA will be checking in periodically to make sure they are working toward permanent housing.
New Yorkers affected by Irene have only 30 more days to register with FEMA for possible federal disaster assistance.
Sunday marks the halfway point in the 60-day registration period.
Registrations cannot be accepted after the October 31st deadline.
You can call at 1-800-621-FEMA or go to www.disasterassistance.gov.
