By HENRY FOSTER, Staff Writer
BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) has announced the expansion of the 2023 Blue Tarp Fund Roofing Repair Program, offering a lifeline to homeowners needing roofing assistance during the peak of this year's hurricane season. On Monday, July 24th, 2023, the LHC re-opened the program's waitlist for eligible homeowners who missed the initial application window in February.
Since its launch in February, the 2023 Blue Tarp Fund Roofing Repair Program has successfully granted new roofs to nearly 150 applicants in the parishes of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, and West Baton Rouge. With the reopening of applications, eligible homeowners will have the opportunity to receive much-needed roofing repairs.
Senator Regina Barrow championed the initiative, which was included in appropriation bills during the 2021 and 2022 regular legislative sessions. The legislature's additional allocation of $1 million during the 2023 regular legislative session has paved the way for the program's expansion, allowing the LHC to assist more homeowners and broaden the program's reach to include additional parishes beyond the capital region.
Joshua Hollins, the Executive Director of LHC, expressed the importance of the re-opening, stating, "By reopening the application process now, this will allow LHC to expedite any future funding announcements by having a list of pre-approved applicants. We anticipate additional funding for the program that will allow us to increase the number of homeowners we can assist, expand the boundaries, and include additional parishes beyond the capital region."
To qualify for the Blue Tarp Fund Roofing Repair Program, homeowners must own and reside in their home as their primary residence for at least one year before seeking assistance. The program targets low-income households, qualifying applicants earning below eighty percent (80%) of the area median income. Applicants must submit income documentation, such as pay stubs, benefits summary sheets, and proof of home ownership.
"The devastating impact of natural disasters on homeowners in Louisiana is well-known," said Executive Director Joshua G. Hollins. "The Blue Tarp Fund Roofing Repair Program is one of the ways we are committed to helping our communities recover and rebuild after a disaster. We encourage eligible homeowners to apply for this program soon."
Homeowners interested in the 2023 Blue Tarp Fund Roofing Repair Program can find more information and submit applications at the official Blue Tarp Fund Roofing Repair Program website or by contacting the LHC Disaster Recovery Department at 1-888-454-2001 or 225-763-8700. Act promptly to secure assistance during this crucial time of hurricane season.
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