The amount of temporary rental assistance available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)for victims of Hurricane Sandy is increasing by 25 percent, according to Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola).

The increase accounts for the higher cost of living in places like Long Island compared to other parts of the country.

"Too many people are still without power and unable to be back in their homes," McCarthy said. "While we work to make sure that LIPA gets the lights back on forthose remaining customers, the federal government is doing everything we can to make sure that those who are displaced are getting the help they need."

Families and individuals on Long Island who are registered for federal disaster assistance and seeking rental resources can search through listings on the FEMA Housing Portal at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/hportal/home.htm.

The FEMA Housing Portal consolidates rental resources identified and provided by a variety of federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. Veterans Administration (VA), but also lists rental properties provided by private
organizations and property owners willing to help their neighbors during these
difficult times.