On November 11, Teresa Vidger, THD President brought the entire THD team to Phoenix, AZ to celebrate their annual holiday event at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge.  This annual event is a way that Teresa feels that she can celebrate the contributions of each THD member and reward them with a beautiful destination that is meant for a lot of laughs and fun times.   This year was special as it is THD’s 10 year anniversary. 

The day started off with a lunch outdoors where everyone could enjoy the lovely fall weather visiting with old colleagues as well as meeting the newest members of the THD family.  There was also some free time to spend and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Arizona desert.

That evening the festivities continued with the annual team photo then reception to further mingle and have fun getting caught up.  The reception was followed by dinner at a wonderful Italian restaurant, Tuscany.   Teresa gave service awards for the team members that had been with the company for 5 plus years.

After dinner, the celebration continued as each Temporary Housing Directory department performed a skit for the Annual Holiday Follies with comedy, dancing and singing skits that filled the room with laughter and applause.  The managers and even Teresa dressed up in 70’s gear to start the THD Follies and get everyone laughing.   Prizes were given out to the best skits and fun was had by all! 

At the end of the evening, THD’s first four employees hosted a video and presented it to a very surprised Teresa with a DVD that looked back on the great memories and successes of THD over the past 10 years. Each employee shared with Teresa why they are thankful for working at such a great company.  Tears were shed and it was a great way to end the night.

As THD celebrates the holiday season and 10 years of providing temporary housing it is with great pride and gratitude that we thank all our customers for helping make THD a success.

Relocating an employee and sending someone on temporary assignment requires preparation, coordination, administration, and follow-up to ensure the employee transition is smooth. How do you let someone else assist you in this complex process? 

Professional corporate housing providers are a full-service solution with the ability to provide a single point of contact, technology to simplify the process, and flexible billing and reporting options. From beginning to end, the provider handles all of the planning and preparation required for the temporary housing need when relocating an employee and family to an unfamiliar area. Offering a comprehensive solution to relocation companies, and the security of knowing the job is done right, is only one facet of what corporate housing offers.

Many mobility professionals already know the value of working with a corporate housing provider partner, so we asked them to share their perspectives.

Issue #1: Taking the Stress out of Moving

Studies have shown that anxieties about a new location are the greatest cause for stress during relocation. Add relocating with a family and this is an infinitely more complicated process. It is critical to create a simplified process.

Tom Colucci, CRP, vice president of strategic sourcing for Mobility Services International (MSI), said corporate housing providers reduce stress and anxiety by being available to consult throughout the entire process. “By responding to all transferee concerns as quickly as possible, with as much information as possible, [it] alleviates many concerns over what to expect, how the process will work, [and] who to contact with any issues,” he said.

“Just knowing they have a place to lay their head is comforting,” said Paul Kuchenbecker, a buyer for Re:Sources.

One mobility professional goes on to say, “the more the corporate housing can resemble the comforts of home, stress and anxiety will be reduced.... it is important because this is the one place the transferee can fully unwind and feel like [he or she is] going ‘home’ at the end of the work day, even though it is a temporary stay.”

Issue #2: The Space Factor

A temporary apartment is typically substantially larger than a standard hotel room or extended-stay lodging option. This is vitally important during a relocation or transition, because corporate housing serves as the transferee’s primary residence during the relocation.

“Our relocation evaluation completed by the transferee at the end of [his or her] move will ask questions about their stay in corporate housing,” says Colucci. “Usually, the transferee will want the additional space in corporate housing, especially if family will be visiting during their stay, along with the ability to prepare meals in their unit.”

Beth Archibald, SCRP, SGMS, president of Archibald Relocation & Real Estate Services, adds that “attention to detail for furnishings, toys for kids, food in the refrigerator on arrival, and up-to-date details of checking in with them throughout their stay,” is equally important.  “[The] convenience of having their own kitchen and not having to eat out all of the time,” is just one of the reasons that a transferee prefers to stay in corporate housing over a hotel room. Undoubtedly, space is key while traveling with families.

Issue #3: Location, Location, Location

Being in an unfamiliar area is hard in the best of circumstances, and working with a provider that can supply a lodging alternative close to all the amenities someone requires while staying long term eases these challenges.

Proximity to conveniences such as grocery stores, entertainment, fitness facilities, and recreational areas can make all the difference. Providers additionally can offer advice on locations such as the quality of schools—typically a vital decision factor for employees moving with families. 

Corporate housing providers also can accommodate difficult scenarios. With their established relationships with many apartment communities, these communities often are more flexible in obliging special requests than if an individual approached the apartment community directly. Archibald cited a recent situation in which “...we had a challenging rural location and only a corporate housing company came to the rescue... it was a win/win situation for all involved.”

Issue #4:  Increased Productivity

Staying in a temporary apartment instead of a hotel room also can increase productivity as the employee is less stressed and more comfortable during his or her stay. There is no need to worry about moving personal items during a weekend trip back home, for example. Many companies allow families to accompany relocating employees, and with corporate housing the additional needed space is not an issue.

This arrangement results in a better work-life balance and more engaged employees. “We have had some comments from transferees that they liked their furnished apartment[s] so much that they did not want to move out,” adds Colucci.

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, the generic term for a low pressure system that generally forms in the tropics. A typical cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms, and in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earth’s surface.

All Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas are subject to hurricanes or tropical storms. Parts of the Southwest United States and the Pacific Coast experience heavy rains and floods each year from hurricanes spawned off Mexico. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June to November, with the peak season from mid-August to late October.

Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and several hundred miles inland. Winds can exceed 155 miles per hour. Hurricanes and tropical storms can also spawn tornadoes and microbursts, create storm surges along the coast, and cause extensive damage from heavy rainfall.

Hurricanes are categorized according to the strength of their winds using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale (for more information go to http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/sshws_table.shtml?large). A Category 1 storm has the lowest wind speeds, while a Category 5 hurricane has the strongest. These are relative terms, because lower category storms can sometimes inflict greater damage than higher category storms, depending on where they strike and the particular hazards they bring. In fact, tropical storms can also produce significant damage and loss of life, mainly due to flooding.

If you find yourself and your family unexpectedly displaced from your home due to various type of disasters including fire, smoke and water damage caused by faulty plumbing, water heater or frozen pipes and you have homeowners insurance your insurance company  will typically assist in finding alternative living arrangements while your home is repaired.

The first thing most families will require is emergency lodging such as a hotel accommodation the same day.  A Temporary Housing company such as Temporary Housing Directory (THD) will assist you with locating a hotel and arrange the billing to your insurance company to cover the cost of room and tax charges.

Once a hotel has been arranged and your claims adjuster has had an opportunity to assess the extent of the damage of your home, if temporary housing is required, then the insurance company will notify the temporary housing to begin determine your housing requirements such as location, family size, whether or not pets need to be accommodated, neighborhood specifics and requirements for furniture.  Once needs have been assessed the relocation consultant will locate a housing option that is similar to your current living standards.  After they have located housing most likely they will have you view the residence and obtain approval by your adjuster to cover costs such as rent, furniture, appliances and houseware items.

Prior to moving into your new residence the temporary housing company will coordinate the rental agreement, furniture and housewares so you can move-in.  Once moved in you will receive a follow-up call to make sure everything is up to your expectations.  In addition, you will also receive a call from the provider approximately 45 days prior to your scheduled departure to confirm move out date or if an extension is needed.  At time of move-out the housing company will coordinate the move out with the landlord, as well as other service providers, so that you can move back to your home.

For more information regarding temporary housing contact THD at 800. 817.3220 or visit us at www.temporaryhousingdirectory.com

THD hope’s you had a wonderful Independence Day celebration. This year we celebrated the United States of America’s 235th birthday on July 4th

As we celebrate our nation’s birthday it is a good time to look back on why we celebrate Independence Day. On July 4, 1776 the Continental Congress adopted the statement of the United States Declaration of Independence which announced that the thirteen American colonies then at war with Great Britain were now independent states, and thus no longer a part of the British Empire. Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration is a formal explanation of why Congress had voted on July 2 to declare independence from Great Britain, more than a year after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War. July 4, 1776, the day the wording of the Declaration was approved by Congress.

After finalizing the text on July 4, Congress issued the Declaration of Independence in several forms. It was initially published as a printed broadside that was widely distributed and read to the public. The most famous version of the Declaration, a signed copy that is usually regarded as the Declaration of Independence, is on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Although the wording of the Declaration was approved on July 4, the date of its signing has been disputed. Most historians have concluded that it was signed nearly a month after its adoption, on August 2, 1776, and not on July 4 as is commonly believed. Wikepedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Declaration_of_Independence

To learn more about the 4th of July and the Declaration of Independence check out the following links: http://usgovinfo.about.com/cs/historicdocuments/a/bldechist.htm or http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_history.html

For more information on Temporary Housing Directory please contact at 800-817-3220 or at request@thdmail.net

There are many reasons why an individual or family would require temporary housing services.  Families that have been displaced due to fire or natural disasters, business travelers, corporate transferees relocating from one city to another, government employees on temporary assignments, snowbirds, and consultants are some examples of those people needing somewhere to call home for a few days or a few months.

When it’s time to decide where to stay, there are a lot of factors to consider including length of stay, location, cost-effectiveness, comfort and convenience.    It is important to talk with a housing expert to help you determine the best solution for your unique needs. 

There are a few choices that may be acceptable based on your situation.  For example if you are a consultant and only staying on assignment for two weeks a full service or extended stay hotel would most likely meet your requirements.  With families that only need accommodations for a few nights an extended stay or suite hotel would most likely be the best option as most of these hotels have partial kitchen or full kitchen facilities.

Another option is a corporate apartment or furnished home is an ideal and typically more cost effective solution for those individuals or families that will need a temporary place to live for 3 weeks or longer.  Guest enjoys more living space, full-size kitchens to make meals, separate bedrooms that are private and even room for their pets!  Furnished housing allows you the convenience of choosing a location in your desired neighborhood whether it is in the city or is a quiet residential neighborhood near your children’s school.   

For those families or individuals living in more rural locations or that want to stay on their properties another convenient housing option is renting mobile homes or travel trailers that come fully furnished with furniture, housewares and even utility hook ups. 

There are many types of temporary housing choices and by working with a consultant who is trained in accessing the most important factors in the decision process will make it easier for you to make the right housing selection based on your specific situation. 

For more information, please contact THD at 800,817.3220 and speak with one of our experienced consultants who will assist you in making the right temporary housing choice that meets your specific requirements

April showers bring May flowers …and Spring brings rainy weather, hail storms and tornados. A hail storm occurs most commonly in the area where Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado meet, commonly known as “Hail Alley” but also occurs in the inner region of the United States.   For tornadoes the most destructive forces of nature are found most frequently in the United States East of the Rocky Mountains during the spring and summer months. These potential deadly funnel clouds can travel at a speed of 35 MPH, but some reach as high as 70 MPH.  In an average year over 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide can result in deaths and injuries

In order to prepare for a Tornado it is important to know the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning.

Tornado Watch

Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Tornado Warning

A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

Other tips to help you prepare for a tornado includes before during and after invent include:

Before a Tornado

Create a safety plan for your family

Know the safety plans for your school, place of business or other places you frequent often.

• Know the different shelter places in your area.
• Setup a pre-determined shelter location in your home.
• Have emergency supply kit available including battery operated radio, bottled water, flashlights and canned or packaged food.
• Make sure each family member knows how to turn off water, gas and electricity to the house.

During a Tornado Warning 

• Stay calm and use your best judgement
• Go to predesignated shelter area, remember to stay low like in a basement or, under something like a sturdy desk, or stay in center of home and avoid rooms with windows
• If you live in a mobile home, get out find more substantial shelter even if it is tied down..
• If you are outdoors or in your car find the lowest point possible like a ditch, ravine or building with the lowest floor.

After Tornado

• Beware and do not go into a damaged home or building
• Watch for broken power lines and sharp objects such as glass.
• Be alert for potential hazards.
• Listen to the radio for any updates.
• Contact you insurance carrier if there is damage to your home.

If your home is damaged due to a hail storm or tornado contact your insurance carrier immediately.  Your carrier will assess your needs and if necessary, they will coordinate with a temporary housing company to assist you in locating emergency hotel accommodations, as well as temporary housing.

THD attended the 12th annual Windstorm Conference that was held January 25-27, 2011 in Houston, TX.  This conference is the only conference dedicated to windstorm insurance situations. This event is important to THD in helping us keep abreast of current topics that are representative of our industry as well as giving us exposure to develop relationships with other claims professionals.  It is important to keep abreast of weather topics, trends, and issues while the hurricane season runs its course.

The event hosted approximately 1000 attendees.  These attendees participated in three days of professional development, continuing education, and networking opportunities. The educational workshops provided an opportunity to learn and interact with the attendees at the conference.  The workshops focused on Windstorm claims including topics such as Adjusting Siding, Roofing and Flooring Claims, Effective Trial Techniques in Windstorm Cases, How to Settle a Claim before Litigation or Appraisal, Insurance Fraud from all Perspectives, and Catastrophic Modeling and Reinsurance.

Next year’s conference will be held on
January 30 - February 2, 2012
Buena Vista Palace Hotel
Orlando, Florida

Windstorm Insurance Network, Inc. (WIND) ® is the first educational member association devoted solely to dealing with windstorm insurance claims issues. It was formed in 1999 with the goal to bring professionals together in the review and discussion of windstorm insurance claims issues.

WIND’s mission is to offer industry insight and education to individuals and groups employed or otherwise involved in all aspects of windstorm insurance claims. Their 1,000+ members come from across the United States, and represent various companies and professional interests in the property and windstorm insurance claims industry.

For more information please visit http://www.windnetwork.com

We made it easier to use and navigate through all of our services and information. Many of the same features you love still exist, like our “THD Virtual office” on-line portal. We just made it easier to find.

Watch our online videos to make sure you know all the great services we deliver and hear some informal messages from me.

We want you to check out our blog and “Talk to THD”! This is where you and your clients can input about your experience with us! And to show you how valuable you are to us, the first 50 bloggers that mention our new website will receive a star bucks gift card!

What is THD’s Hotel Advantage©…“The transparent difference”? Take a look and find out because we aren’t hiding anything!

Let us show you the new THD logo! We shortened our name to THD, because we were asked so many times if we were a DIRECTORY! We are not a publication, but a full service nationwide housing company. Our new logo and tag line fit us better! It has a more contemporary and innovative look and feel… just like us.

Visit us now at www.temporaryhousingdirectory.com or call us at 800—817-3220!

Is Wall Street’s inching towards recovery any indication that our current economic crisis may be on the ebb? A tough economy has led to higher foreclosures as close to over 980,000 homes were repossessed by banks. According to RealtyTrac this is the highest annual tally of properties lost to foreclosure on records dating back to 2005.

But there’s no need to feel distressed! Temporary Housing Directory is very cognizant of this foreclosure reality and we are doing everything we can to help protect policy holders, insurance adjusters, insurance companies, and the temporary housing industry overall in ensuring their customers don’t get placed in a house or landlord in a negative situation. 

THD searches for single dwelling homes from private landlords.  For example, when a house burns down, the displaced family faced with loss of use needs immediate relocation and emergency temporary housing. They also need like kind homes in close proximity to every day conveniences in safe communities. THD makes their relocation an easy and stress free experience.

How does THD help in the prevention of renting foreclosed properties?

• We pay the rent on behalf of the insurer directly to the landlord, so if there are any issues we can hold rent until the situation is rectified.
• THD has partnered with established companies like RealtyTrac.
• We do detailed background checks on landlords to ensure that families are being put in a nice dwelling.  We also verify that the landlord is up to date on other properties and are not in any type of pre-foreclosure situation. 
• With our due diligence, any negatives are “red-lighted” immediately.

Don’t let the gloomy foreclosure scene get you down or worried. Contact us online or give us a call now at 800-817-3220. We have the depth of knowledge, width of expertise and length of experience to help you find the right rental.