Urgent Reminder: Restore Louisiana Survey Deadline Approaching (August 1)
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and the Office of Community Development have announced an extension to the deadline for homeowners impacted by Hurricanes Laura, Delta, Ida, and the May 2021 severe storms to complete the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program survey. Homeowners now have until August 1 to submit the survey to be considered for recovery assistance from the program.
Since its launch in February 2022, the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program has already provided over $266.2 million in funding to more than 3,310 eligible homeowners, offering vital support in the aftermath of these devastating natural disasters.
The program, which is federally funded and state-administered, aims to provide grant funding to homeowners affected by the mentioned hurricanes and storms. Its primary focus is to help with home repair, reconstruction, and/or reimbursement for completed repairs, facilitating the process of rebuilding and restoring damaged homes.
The survey, which can be completed at restore.la.gov, plays a critical role in determining eligibility for the program’s assistance. Even if homeowners do not believe they qualify for assistance or have already completed their repairs, they are encouraged to complete the brief survey by the August 1 deadline. If homeowners have previously submitted a survey, there is no need to submit another one.
Upon completion of the survey, the program will review the responses and invite homeowners who meet program-phasing criteria to submit a full application. The application process comes after an environmental review is completed on the property, ensuring that the assistance is directed to those who genuinely need it.
To be eligible for program assistance, homeowners must meet specific requirements, including owning and occupying the home at the time of the disaster and maintaining ownership through the program’s final project inspection. The damaged address must have been the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster and located in one of the 47 disaster-declared parishes. Additionally, the home must be an eligible structural type, including single-family homes, owner-occupied duplexes, mobile homes, and condominiums, as determined by the program.
In an effort to serve more homeowners and provide additional support, the Restore Louisiana program has expanded the criteria for qualifying assistance. The FEMA-determined damage threshold has been lowered from $5,000 to $3,000, and the allowable maximum of insurance proceeds received has been raised from $25,000 to $50,000.
By offering this extension and enhancing the eligibility criteria, the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program aims to reach as many affected homeowners as possible, assisting them in rebuilding their lives and homes after the devastating impact of these natural disasters. The program stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the state’s commitment to its residents’ well-being and recovery during times of crisis.
