For many victims of the August floods across south Louisiana, the only housing options as they work hard to recover and rebuild are either pricey hotels or group shelters.
The Louisiana Shelter at Home Program is offering another option. Single-family owner-occupied properties that were inundated with floodwater are eligible for up to $15,000 in damage remediation designed to return the home to a safe and habitable state.
“Many residents are desperately ready to go home, but their homes are not safe and sanitary yet,” according to a fact sheet about the program. “If you are ready to leave the shelter, rental apartment or hotel room; if you are ready to go home, this is the program for you.”
The Shelter at Home program will provide the following work to flooded homes:
Interior
- Inspection and testing of electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems to ensure they are in safe working order.
- Removing drywall, insulation and other water-absorbing wall coverings (excluding fire-rated walls) damaged by flooding.
- Removing flood-damaged water-absorbing flooring material including carpet, carpet padding, and other materials.
- Disposing debris at the street right-of-way.
- Cleaning and sanitizing exposed floor and wall surfaces where flooring or wall coverings were removed.
- Ensuring there is one (1) temporary working bathroom in the home, which could include cleaning or fixing a bathtub/shower, toilet and sink.
- Maintaining heating and minimum air conditioning for comfort.
- Repairing or replacing damaged water heaters.
- Inspecting and repairing natural gas lines if necessary.
- Testing and repairing or replacing/installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Providing mini-refrigerators and microwaves as necessary (The total appliance allowance will be $500 where needed).
Exterior
- Taking temporary actions to weatherproof the home and prevent water intrusion; repairs could be temporary patches.
- Patching (minor and quick repairs), door hardware replacement, and replacement/repair of door jambs and headers as necessary for secure entry and exit.
- Securing broken windows with minor carpentry or hardware repairs.
- Repairing damaged front stairs or porches to allow safe entrance and exit.
- Ensuring that plumbing is connected to a sanitary sewer or approved sewerage disposal system.
- Ensuring that potable water is available and operational.
Click here to download the Louisiana Shelter at Home Fact Sheet
Call 1-800-927-0216 or email shelterathome@la.gov for more information about the program or to sign up.
