The Preservation Resource Center, in partnership with the City of New Orleans, is proud to announce the launch of its new Historic Home Repair Grant Program to assist low-income to moderate-income homeowners with exterior repairs and critical maintenance to their houses. The program is open to homeowners who reside in Orleans Parish, meet certain income requirements, only own one property, and that property must be 50 years or older.
New Orleans City Council Member Lesli Harris conceived the Historic Home Repair Grant Program and championed $200,000 in funding for it from the City Council in an effort to make homeownership in Orleans Parish more affordable. The program is designed to preserve both affordable housing and the city’s historic architecture. The New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission will assist the PRC in the program’s execution.
“The PRC’s new Historic Home Repair Grant Program will help homeowners in need to protect their most valuable assets: their homes,” said PRC Executive Director Danielle Del Sol. “The PRC believes strongly in protecting not only the historic buildings in a neighborhood but also the cultural identity of the community and its residents. By helping homeowners fix and save their homes, we’re helping to preserve our vibrant historic neighborhood for future generations.”
“Since taking office, many constituents have contacted me about code enforcement proceedings and not having the necessary funds to get their properties up to code,” Harris said. “I was driven to solve this two-fold issue by creating a $200,000 pilot program that will assist homeowners with maintenance funds to clear them from outstanding violations and associated penalties owed to the City. Homeownership in New Orleans should be accessible and affordable. With this opportunity, our residents and their homes continue to make New Orleans thrive with a sense of cultural pride and identity.”
The Historic Home Repair Grant Program will provide up to $20,000 per property to make exterior repairs to qualified homes. Examples of eligible repairs include repairing or replacing roofs; repairing or replacing damaged siding or trim; repairing or replacing damaged doors, windows or shutters.
Because funding is limited, the Preservation Resource Center’s Technical Service Committee will prioritize projects on a first-come, first-served basis and using the project’s scope of work.
To qualify, homeowners must meet the following criteria:
- be a low- to moderate-income household as determined by the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development
- reside in Orleans Parish
- only own one property
- the house must be 50 years old or older
- the house cannot need structural repairs.
To apply, homeowners should fill out an application online at PRCNO.org/HHRGP or by calling 504.581.7032.
