Equipping CLOs to Assist Community Members During Temporary U.S. Stays

Community Liaison Officers play a vital role in guiding families overseas. When families must return to the United States temporarily, often for childbirth through an OB Medevac, TDY Rentals provides housing solutions and practical resources that CLOs can share to make the process easier.

The CLO’s Role

As a Community Liaison Officer (CLO), you are the first line of support (and often, defense!) for U.S. government personnel and their families overseas, playing a vital role in guiding and protecting your communities at post. As a team of Eligible Family Members (EFMs), veterans, and military spouses, we recognize the critical part CLOs play in ensuring the well being and quality of life of all demographics under chief of mission authority serving overseas.

Our mission is to support CLOs in their efforts to provide resources and services to overseas communities through the management of the worldwide CLO program. This page provides Global Community Liaison Officers (GCLOs) and CLOs with resources to help Foreign Service (FS) community members returning to the United States understand how to use government per diem for temporary lodging and rental items nationwide.

How We Support Employees/EFMs:

  • Temporary Duty (TDY)-specific Housing: Short-term, fully furnished housing for anyone returning to the United States for OB Medevac, emergency evacuation, training, Permanent Change of Station (PCS), etc.
  • Move-In Ready Homes: Every property includes furnishings, kitchenwares, Wi-Fi, and utilities.
  • Personalized Rental Items: Brand-new rental items selected by the traveler, whether it’s baby items during OB Med or a set of knives until Household Effects (HHE) arrive, we guarantee fresh selections.
  • Per Diem Expertise: proficient guidance via the Foreign Affairs Manual/Handbook (FAM/H), Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR), New Parent Guide, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) rates, Federal Travel Regulation (FTR), etc.
  • Flexible Terms: Rentals are available from weeks to months and align with per diem allowances.
  • Nationwide Options: Housing located near hospitals, family support networks, and major U.S. cities or rural areas alike.
  • Peace of Mind: Travelers can focus on their stability and health while we manage the logistics.

How We Support G/CLOs:

  • Educational content for community newsletters, webinars, and events: a traveler’s needs change depending on the unique type and duration of TDY. Ensure your community has the tailored information it needs by requesting specific content materials. 
  • Community Webinars: we’ve hosted multiple webinars for all types of Department of State TDYs. Request a customized webinar for your community according to their specific needs.
  • Informational Sessions: Deepen your understanding of proper per diem usage, temporary duty, and our services for the Foreign Service to find clear answers for your community.
  • Arrange a D.C. event: whether it’s community coffees, happy hour, or lunch-and-learns, we’d love to connect about returning to the U.S. amidst life overseas. You set the stage and we’ll engage!
  • Event Sponsorship: Your schedule, our support. We’d love to partner with you to demonstrate your commitment to supporting the Foreign Service community and EFM businesses

Find us in the Overseas Briefing Center (OBC) and American Foreign Services (AFSA) resource pages!

Or find us on Facebook in the Trailing Houses group!

Resources for CLOs to Share

Guides and Articles

Downloadables and Shareables

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who does TDY Rentals work with directly?
A: We work directly with families returning to the United States, while providing resources CLOs can share to support their communities.

Q: Does TDY Rentals accommodate per diem allowances?
A: Yes. We design housing solutions that meet government per diem requirements.

Q: What kinds of housing are available?
A: Fully furnished apartments, condos, and homes across the United States.

Q: How does using per diem to find lodging and rental furnishings work?
A: Using per diem for lodging and rental furnishings means your housing costs are aligned with the daily allowance set by the U.S. government. Travelers can secure fully furnished, move-in ready lodging that includes utilities and Wi-Fi, while adding rental items if needed. Because rates are structured to stay within per diem limits, you can focus on your assignment without worrying about out-of-pocket expenses or reimbursement issues.

Need additional support? Reach out!

Equip your families with the resources they need for a smooth and stress-free return to the U.S.