Affordable housing was in short supply before the flood and much of the affordable housing stock has been lost. Community members expressed a need for housing options for all income and age levels. They are also interested in home ownership programs including education on a variety of housing topics.
Additional affordable housing programs are available post-disaster, but education about what is available is needed. Housing affordability can also be increased by encouraging more compact design, while considering accessibility and hazard mitigation. The community indicated a desire to access housing education related to home elevation 101, first time home buyer, affordable housing options, flood insurance options, and handicap accessible design.
The ultimate goal for this project is attractive, affordable, and accessible housing will be incorporated throughout the city, offering housing options for all.
Increase the stock of affordable housing through a two-pronged approach:
- Promote affordable housing programs through organizations such as Louisiana Housing Corporation.
- Encouraging more compact design, while considering accessibility and hazard mitigation
This project will create a pipeline of qualified buyers ready to purchase homes as the affordable housing stock is increased by hosting a monthly housing education series. One facet of the program is to provide education related to:
- home elevation 101
- first time home buyer
- affordable housing options
- flood insurance options
- handicap accessible design
This project also supports:
- Ability to recover from future disaster events
- Hazard mitigation
- Social and economic resilience
- Community development
Possible Funding Sources, Technical Assistance, and Partners:
- Louisiana Housing Corporation
- U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
- Gulf Coast Housing Partnership
- Hope VI Main Street Program
- U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
Estimated Cost: High ($1 million+)
Estimated Timeline: Long-Term (3+ years)
During the second community meeting, participants ranked this project at 7.55 out of 10 with respect to level of importance.
