MIAMI (AP) -- The federal government is making plans to put Florida hurricane evacuees in foreclosed homes if a Katrina-like storm devastates the region.

Officials tell The Associated Press the plan would be enacted if shelters, hotels and other housing options are full. It's an effort to keep people close to their homes and communities instead of allowing them to scatter around the country.

The idea is still being developed, but FEMA would likely compile a list of available homes. The evacuees would then be assigned homes and FEMA would use a contractor to pay rent directly to a bank or whoever owns the home.

When Katrina struck nearly four years ago, evacuees were scattered to Houston, Atlanta and other cities. Many never returned to New Orleans.