Housing Assistance For Hurricane Maria Evacuees Will Be Funded Through Mid-May

Hurricane Maria evacuees from Puerto Rico won’t be evicted from temporary housing on Friday. A federal program offering assistance will get a funding extension until May 14. 

The evacuees face immediate homelessness if the program loses funding.

In Springfield, Massachusetts, on Friday, Jose Ribera said he’s been looking for work under stress and uncertainty.

"It has been difficult, because every week, every two weeks, we don’t know what is going to happen to us at the hotel," he said. "We don’t know if we’re going to get an extension, or what is going to happen next."

Daisy Anduja said she's been in western Massachusetts for seven months now. Speaking through a translator, she said she and her family are struggling.

"I hope they can find a solution," she said. "Not just for me and my family, but for everyone else that is here, that they find a solution -- a permanent solution."

Puerto Rico has requested an extension of the housing assistance through June 30, which would allow students to finish the school year where they live.