Hurricane Ike evacuees can stay at some hotels or motels for up to one month through a transitional sheltering program.

FEMA arranged for the hotels and motels to bill them directly.

A spokesman said evacuees who qualify can stay at participating hotels until Oct. 14.

To qualify you must have a primary residence in a county included in the disaster declaration.

Those who find a room at a place not participating in the program should call FEMA to see if the hotel or motel will sign up or if they can be reimbursed.

The number to call is (800) 621-FEMA.

You can also visit FEMA’s special Web site set up for the program: femaevachotels.com.

In addition, emergency food stamps are being distributed to Ike evacuees who qualify.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission received the federal waiver to help individuals living in any of the 29 counties that have been declared disaster areas.

Applicants need to provide proof of identity and residence.

They'll also need to provide information on household income.

Hurricane victims who use food stamps will be allowed to use their Lone Star Card to purchase hot ready-to-eat food items.

This will help families who are unable to return to their homes immediately.

Call 211 or apply at any HHSC office through Oct. 17.

Or for more information log onto the HHSC Web site.