March 14, 2007
The devastation resulting from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are still visible nearly two years later. For many the thought of returning home to New Orleans is something they are looking forward to. For others, life will never be the same and they are moving on.
To assist with the rebuilding effort, the Road Home program, which opened offices in the Metroplex earlier this week, provides eligible homeowners with up to $150,000 to assist with getting back in their homes.
Opal Jackson says that whatever those homeowners who were displaced want to do, the Road Home program makes sure they have options.
At the office, located at 3113 S. Carrier Parkway in Grand Prairie, applicants can provide the necessary documentation to receive funds that will enable them to do one of three things: repair and return to their homes, sell their homes and stay in Louisiana or sell the home and live outside of the state.
“Governor Blanco went to Congress to get money to fund a program to help citizens,” said Ms. Jackson, adding that the Louisiana governor wanted to provide “gap funding” because money from outside insurance companies and FEMA could not cover all the costs of rebuilding the hurricane and flood-ravaged areas.
A group effort between Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, the Louisiana Recovery Authority and the Office of Community Development, the Road Home Program was approved by the Louisiana Legislature and since the program started, just over a year ago, more than 100,000 applications have been received.
The first day the local office was open, on Monday, Ms. Jackson said that over 50 families were seen.
Realizing that some might opt to stay in Texas, Ms. Jackson responded, “Of course the people of Louisiana would love to have them return home, but we realize that each family has to do what is good for their family. We just help them to facilitate, whatever they decide.”
There are three ways to apply for assistance. Louisiana homeowners can apply online, call the toll-free number (888) ROAD-2LA or pick up an application at the center.
Cheryl can be reached at csmith@dallasweekly.com
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