Mobile homes face rising dangers from climate disasters

Climate-driven disasters like hurricanes are leaving mobile home residents vulnerable, with many losing homes, loved ones and receiving inadequate federal support.

Hilary Howard and Christopher Flavelle report for The New York Times.

In short:

• Over 16 million Americans live in mobile or manufactured homes, which are often located in disaster-prone areas.
• Many mobile homes, especially those built before 1976, are poorly equipped to withstand severe weather and lack insurance.
• Federal recovery programs rarely provide enough aid, leaving residents to rebuild with little support.

Key quote:

“Our most affordable housing supply is the most vulnerable to climate disasters and often falls through the cracks during recovery.”

— Andrew Rumbach, senior fellow at the Urban Institute

Why this matters:

Mobile homes are among the most affordable housing options, but as climate change worsens storms, residents face increased risk. Without adequate federal protections or insurance, many find themselves displaced and struggling to recover.