HOUSTON -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency will pay for up to six months of temporary housing for some Hurricane Ike victims, KPRC Local 2 reported Wednesday.

"This is designed for people who cannot return to their homes by Nov. 1," Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Steve Preston said.

FEMA and HUD will work together to provide temporary rental assistance for people to move into apartments.

"FEMA will be the intake point," Preston said. "People will register with FEMA. Starting Oct. 15, FEMA will then provide us information on people who would be eligible for this program. We would expect to actually begin putting people in apartments by Nov. 1."

Local housing authorities will provide on-site assistance. Program participants will be paired with a case manager.

"That case manager is an important person for the disaster victim because that person will be there to help them figure out how to get back into their longer-term home," Preston said.

FEMA will cover the entire cost of the program for the first six months. The cost for the program will be $50 for the seventh month and increase $50 per month up to a total of 18 months. Waivers will be provided for some low-income participants.

To register for FEMA assistance, call 800-621-FEMA or visit their Web site.