Disaster Housing Reform for American Families Act

This legislation amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act by establishing a new pilot program focused on providing temporary housing after major disasters. The program authorizes the President to contract with eligible entities, such as manufacturers and retailers of manufactured or modular homes, for the construction of temporary housing units.

These housing structures, limited to four units, must be available to affected individuals and households within 90 days of a major disaster declaration, with a possible 30-day extension. The bill mandates adherence to a comprehensive set of construction standards, including those for flood resistance, manufactured housing, and local building codes, while also allowing for waivers by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in coordination with FEMA.

A key feature is the potential for these temporary units to transition into permanent housing, with guidelines to be established for their transfer to affordable housing programs after the disaster declaration concludes. This five-year pilot program aims to enhance the speed and quality of disaster housing relief by leveraging modular and manufactured housing solutions. Furthermore, the bill permits the President to offer financial assistance to disaster-affected individuals for closing costs when purchasing residential property through federal affordable financing options.