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FEMA Extension Comes As A Big Relief For Evans Family

EVANS, Colo. (CBS4) - As recovery work continues statewide after last month's flooding, hundreds of victims who are still out of their homes are getting an extension from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

FEMA will now allow residents from 598 households to spend extra time in hotels as they look for new homes or repair their own.

Hotels like the America's Best Value Inn in Evans that the Horn family are staying in have become home in the aftermath of the historic flooding. The thought of having to leave by Sunday -- the previous deadline -- was just too soon for many, and in the case of the Horns, they would have been out on the street.

David Horn
David Horn and his daughters talk with CBS4's Karen Morfitt in their hotel room. (credit: CBS)

David Horn told CBS4 he has been in the hotel with his wife, three girls and two dogs for more than a month.

"It's pretty hectic -- really hectic -- come sleeping time," he said.

Zoey, one of his daughters, said it's been challenging being so cramped and crowded.

"It's been hard because I've been trying to do my homework, and something gets spilled or knocked over," she said.

Their old home is just a few miles away, but flood waters have made it unlivable.

"At least we have a roof over our head and food to eat. That's enough that we could ask for really at this point," said Autumn, another daughter. "I'm just glad we're all together."

Every day Horn and his wife do their best to find a new place, but it turns out so are hundreds of other families in the Weld County area.

"Everybody is looking for houses, so you have to be Johnny-on-the-spot as soon as they come up for rent you got to be there right away," he said.

Autum said getting some more padding to find a place from the federal government is a relief.

"Once we heard they were extending it we were like 'Thank you so much.' We really need that extension, or we would have nowhere to go," she said.

The Horns said if they haven't found a home by the time the new extension runs out on Nov. 2 they will have to start looking at other options. Those could possibly include moving or buying a camper to live out of so their girls can won't have to change schools.

Colorado Floods: How To Help

The recent floods are impacting families and communities throughout Colorado, so CBS4 has compiled a list of ways you can support the local communities impacted by the floods.

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