Texas Partial Repair & Essential Power for Sheltering (PREPS): FEMA Public Assistance

The PREPS program was funded through FEMA Public Assistance funds (PA) to the State of Texas to provide partial repairs to the homes of those impacted and displaced by Hurricane Harvey. The disaster recovery program was intended to facilitate temporary repairs that would allow homeowners to return to their own homes until permanent repairs could be completed. The program was designed to get homeowners back into their community to begin the rebuilding process and as an alternative to temporary sheltering in hotels, travel trailers, or other short-term housing options.

CSRS was hired to support the overall disaster recovery housing program by providing oversight of construction management aspects and providing communication, change order reviews, and overall coordination with construction contractors. Additionally, CSRS managed IT assets for the entirety of the program, including acquisition, set up, formatting, and training related to all systems and software to maintain continual operational capability. Our team provided community outreach and public information product development to the program. CSRS also served in an advisory capacity, providing leadership and direction for subcontractor staff, project management assistance, and FEMA compliance, as directed.

Project Successes

Processed over 14,000 applicants for housing repair assistance and managed their home repairs. Managed a complex and multi-faceted program efficiently, meeting all FEMA’s deliverable targets. The program received a commendation for effective operations in line with federal and state compliance requirements.

Project Challenges and Solutions

Working in a post-disaster environment provides challenges in program operations that require flexibility. The Texas PREPS team was able to implement innovative outreach and communication efforts, with a multi-lingual capacity, to reach homeowners who were displaced, difficult to reach, and in need of specialized communication skills.

“The size and scope of Hurricane Harvey was devastating not only for communities, but also for thousands of Texans unable to make repairs necessary to move back in their homes,” said Commissioner Bush. “The PREPS program has now helped more than 10,000 families by providing basic home repairs that help them on the road to full recovery. We’re committed to helping Texan families get back home and won’t stop working until the job is done.”