FEMA Brings 20 Temporary Homes To Vidor

Thousands of Southeast Texans who were affected by Hurricane Ike have been waiting for temporary housing.

And this weekend there wait is finally over.

Twenty temporary homes arrived this afternoon to some very thankful Orange County residents.

FEMA's temporary homes are rolling into Orange County.

They're setting up four of them in Vidor at a trailer park on Main street.

Another sixteen are headed to residents in other parts of Orange County.

"We recognize that more is needed and we wilL continue to bring those in till we've met that need," said Bob Bennett.

Director of FEMA's Southeast Texas area field office, Bob Bennett says FEMA has distributed more than 600 units to Orange, Jefferson and Chambers County. Bennet says FEMA is working as quickly as possible to fulfill the need.

"There are always challenges you are faced with in a hurricane such as Ike, we recognize the damages were increadibly widespread and we recognize there is a need," said Bennett

That's why FEMA is working closely with Entergy Texas to help speed up the process. Entergy employees are working 7 days a week to get the mobil homes ready for residents.

"They're really doing a great job, i'm really proud of them," said Vernon Pierce. Pierce is Entergy's Director of Customer Service.

Entergy brought in 47 extra contractors to Orange County to install electricity to the homes.

"We think it's critical that we don't become an impetiment to serve these homes," said Pierce

Pierce says, "if needed they'll bring in more contractors so entergy doesn't slow up the pace."

The contractors are stabilizing the trailers, adding plumbing, and skirting the homes. They come in two different sizes 34 feet for a family of 3 or smaller and 54 feet for bigger families.

"We'll continue moving them in until their no longer needed," said Bennett.

A need that Bob Bennett says FEMA will fulfill as quickly as possible.

FEMA and Entergy officials gave credit to Congressman Kevin Brady and his staff who were instrumental in speeding up the process to get these families housing.