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TEMPORARY LODGING 

You may reside in the Navy Lodge (commonly called the "TLA" although that is a technically incorrect term -- TLA stands for Temporary Lodging Allowance) when you first arrive to Naples. The new Navy Lodge at the Gricignano US Navy Support Site is now open.  You'll be thankful that the one in Pinetamare is closed.  The major drawback with the new one is that it doesn't have a kennel like the one in Pinetamare did.  You'll have to find a local kennel for your pets.  If you have a sponsor, he/she should be able to help you.  

There's no doubt that living in the Navy Lodge, regardless of its location, can be quite frustrating.  The lack of transportation and inconvenience of living out of your suitcase is enough to stress anyone.  This is one reason why most service members and families want to find a house as soon as possible.  However, do not be too eager to move out of the Navy Lodge.  You do not have forever to make a decision on a house, but there is no need to rush either.  You will see many houses and all of them will have something that appeals to you.  Take your time and select a house that is right for you and your family. 

Make sure that you view at least two houses per week in order to receive your TLA.  The Housing Office will record your visits and, when you file your TLA claim every 15 days, will verify that you have viewed two houses per week.  Keep in mind that the houses you view must be scheduled through the Housing Office, not private realtors (see below).  The Navy Lodge will bill you every 15 days.  Just take your bill to the Housing Office and they will instruct you on how to complete the paperwork.  You will then take that paperwork to your element for processing, so plan on a half day to do this.   

In most units, you will be given the entire 60 days to find a house.  You may be required to perform some duties if you are in a key leader position, but your priority for your first 60 days is to find a house and get settled.  Do not waste your time hanging around work.  If you do not get settled in, then you will spend many months trying to recover.  The pace here is fast and slows down only a few months out of the year.