HOUSTON – A new program slated to begin in November will provide rental assistance to thousands of families displaced by Hurricane Ike.

Today the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and FEMA announced a program to provide intermediate housing. It is set to run for 18 months and mirrors a program that housed families following the 2005 hurricanes.

"It is critical that we provide a degree of stability in the lives of these families until they can get back on their feet," said U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston, in a press release.

People can register with the program through FEMA by calling 1-800-621-3362, or visiting FEMA’s Web site.

HUD will work with a network of public housing agencies to manage the program, which will initially provide full rental assistance to approved families. Beginning in May, families will be responsible for $50 each month. Rent will increase every month afterward by $50.

Families whose rent burden and mortgage exceeds 30 percent of post disaster income can continue to receive assistance through spring of 2010.

Participants will have some obligations, including abiding by terms of the lease and making sure their home stays in good condition. They must participate in case management services and pay their portion of rent on time.

AP

Baytown family tries to get some rest at a Dallas shelter.

For families like the Sayyahis, the program could be a huge help.

When they returned after Hurricane Ike, they saw holes in their ceiling, mold on the wall and crumbled drywall all over the floor.

“We couldn’t step in because the concrete was on the floor,” Nargis Sayyahi said.

“The smell was very bad,” Abol Hassan Sayyahi said. “We have got nothing left – all the electronics, everything is gone.”

The Sayyahis have been living at a FEMA hotel, calling government agencies for help.

They plan to register for the new program.

“This is designed for people who cannot return to their homes by Nov. 1,” Housing Secretary Steve Preston said.

“I think it’s a wonderful program,” Galveston resident Mary Ann Session said.

Session said she thought the program would help her niece, whose apartment roof caved in during the storm.

“We have a lot of phone calls to make today,” Session said.

She’s not alone.