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New Orleans City Council approves recovery money for hospitals, park, arts projects01/05/2009 Times Picayune Events |
Homeowners
Contractor Fraud Survey
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=6fQ9Q10l3_2fC2vGz5BmJIYA_3d_3d%20.
Contractor fraud has become a major challenge to our community's recovery from disaster.
LouisianaRebuilds.Info and the LSU Sociology Department in Baton Rouge have created a survey that will help us understand how widespread contractor fraud is and more importantly, what we can do to stop it. Whether or not you've been a victim of contractor fraud, please take this important survey. Getting information from all residents will give us better insight on how to fight this issue. The survey takes an average of 5 minutes to complete and is fully confidential. With your help, we can work together to help fix this devastating problem. more Road Home Info and Assistance Back to Top
Citizens Road Home Action Team
CHAT Road Home Survey: Road Home Problems
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=hdEchbm8Vl_2bWFDmxi7E_2f7w_3d_3d
CHAT has created an online survey to gather information about the problems homeowners are having with the program - calculation mistakes, money delays, and elevation program issues.
This detailed survey will be used as evidence to urge the LRA and ICF to make changes to the program that will benefit homeowners. Whether you have received your grant money or not, please click the link to take this important survey to help CHAT help Louisiana homeowners.
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Citizens' Road Home Action Team (CHAT)
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The Citizens' Road Home Action Team, a group of citizens from New Orleans neighborhoods, advocates ways to make the Road Home program more efficient and fair. Click the link for more information.
CHAT Newsletters - Road Home Updates
/chatupdates
LouisianaRebuilds.info posts CHAT's newsletter here.
Find out the latest CHAT accomplishments and action items in these newsletters. Main topics are highlighted, and each newsletter is a .pdf that can be downloaded in full.
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The Road Home Program
http://www.road2la.org
Please Note: LouisianaRebuilds.info does not manage the Road Home program. For information about your application you must speak with the Road Home directly.
The application deadline for the Road Home program has passed. For information about the homeowner and small rental property repair programs or to check the status of your application visit www.road2la.org or call 1-888-Road-2-LA (1-888-762-3252). more
Road Home Help
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Need Road Home help? Click for a list of organizations offering free assistance with the Road Home program including help with options letters, closing papers, legal issues, successions, appeals, bank problems, and foreclosures. Also listed is contact information for reporting Road Home problems.
Road Home Appeals Info (.pdf)
http://chatushome.com/chatusfiles/Appeals%20Procedure_5_08%5B1%5D.pdf
CHAT (Citizens Road Home Action Team) has posted the full list of rules and deadlines for Road Home appeals.
The Road Home program has 60 days from the date they receive your appeal to give you their official decision in writing. During the appeal process, Road Home must call you every 15 days from the time they received your appeal letter to give you any updates and an opportunity for feedback. You get a second chance to appeal if you write to them stating that you disagree with their decision. Within 60 days of receiving your letter, the State Review Panel must give you a decision in writing. Download the .pdf for official rules and deadlines.
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Road Home Appeal Templates
http://justiceforneworleans.org/roadhome/index.php?page=templates
These letter templates, prepared by Justice for New Orleans, can be modified and used for a variety of Road Home issues including appeals, requests for files, and requests for extensions. Click the link to access the templates. Call (504) 861-5596 for more information.
Small Rental Property Repair Program
http://www.road2la.org/Rental/default.htm
The application deadline has closed.
Find more information about the program on the Road Home website.
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Road Home Elevation Program
http://road2la.org/homeowner/faqs.htm#9
The Road Home website covers the latest information about the elevation grant. The deadline to submit your elevation funding request was December 5, 2008. Returning the form only indicated that you have an interest in possibly elevating your home and would like to be considered for funding after you investigate your options further and decide whether or not to elevate. If you have questions about the Road Home Elevation Incentive or the State
HMGP Awards call the main Road Home information number at 1-888-762-3252. Choose the
regular "homeowner option" and the advisor that answers can service any type of call.
Buying Road Home Properties
http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2008/10/8800_road_home_properties_to_r.html
Road Home properties are NOT for sale to the general public at this time - they are currently being offered to adjacent homeowners only through the Lot Next Door Program.
All Road Home properties will eventually be put on the market for sale to the general public at a later date. The sale of the Road Home properties is being managed by the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) in New Orleans. Click the link to read a Times Picayune article about the process and to search a database of Road Home properties.
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Lot Next Door Program
http://www.noraworks.org/Lotnext.htm
The Lot Next Door (LND) program, managed by the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority(NORA), allows residents to purchase a NORA-owned property (including Road Home properties sold to the state) immediately next door to their own.
Letters have been mailed to all eligible homeowners. If you have not received your letter by mid-August and believe that you have a NORA lot to the left or right of you, call 504-658-4400 or email jjharalson@cityofno.com; jtmarshall@cityofno.com; ubbarrie@cityofno.com; or amartin@cityofno.com. Find out more on the NORA website.
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Road Home and Taxes
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=171341,00.html
This FAQ on the IRS website covers the Road Home grant as it applies to taxes.
Louisiana Land Trust
http://www.lalandtrust.org/
The Louisiana Land Trust is the non profit organization formed to manage the properties that have been purchased by the State of Louisiana under the current Road Home Program.
The management of these properties is still being determined. Visit the website for updates and meeting announcements
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Times Picayune Answer Spot
http://blog.nola.com/answerspot/
This weekly feature from the Times Picayune answers your recovery questions, including timely Road Home information.
Financial Assistance Back to Top
SBA Loans for Businesses and Residents impacted by Gustav and Ike
https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
Louisiana homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by hurricanes Gustav and Ike have access to more than $100 million in federal low-interest disaster loans from the U.
S. Small Business Administration. Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace their damaged or destroyed primary residence. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. Businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. Individuals and business owners who sustained damages from the hurricanes are encouraged to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency by calling (800) 621-3362 or by registering online.
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"Pathway to Homeownership" Soft Second Mortgage Loan Program
http://www.financeauthority.org/
This housing assistance program is designed to help renters become homeowners and to help homeowners renovate.
The program is open to properties in Orleans Parish Housing Opportunity Zones, which were created in response to the two-year Unified New Orleans Plan, a post-Hurricane Katrina rebuilding plan for New Orleans. Find out more on the Finance Authority website or call (504) 524-5533 or (877) 524-5533 (toll free).
HUD Foreclosure Moratorium
http://www.hud.gov/news/release.cfm?content=pr08-131.cfm
In response to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, HUD will grant a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures and will offer grants, low-cost loans, and other programs to assist homeowners and business owners. Click the link to read a press release with more information.
Louisiana Citizens Insurance Tax Credit
http://www.rev.state.la.us/sections/general/calac/default.aspx
Residential and commercial property insurance policyholders will receive an income tax credit for the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation regular and special assessments they paid because of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
You can still file for this credit. Find out more on the Department of Revenue website.
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ACORN Foreclosure Avoidance
http://acornhousing.org/TEXT/fap8.php
ACORN Housing has a national mortage default counseling program Home Equity Loss Prevention Program (HELP) which assists homeowners struggling to bring their loans current.
ACORN counselors have relationships with 28 major lenders in the U.S. working to homeowners get their loans out of foreclosure. Services include assistance with budget and credit issues, repayment plans, forbearance plans, loan modifications, refinances, and partial claims.
Contact an ACORN Housing Counselor at 504-301-3112 or 1-888-409-3557 more
Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center
http://www.gnofairhousing.org/HOP.html
The Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center's Hurricane Relief Project seeks to protect homeownership by providing assistance in several areas. The program has been expanded to include residents affected by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
Services offered include mortgage issues, Road Home assistance, insurance issues, contractor complaints, and homestead exemption and tax advising. Visit the website or call 504-596-2100 for more information. more
Hope for Homeowners: Foreclosure Assistance
http://www.995hope.org/
The Hope for Homeowners program can help homeowners facing foreclosure with assistance and resources to help you get back on track.
Call the homeownership hotline at 1-888-995-HOPE for immediate assistance 24/7.
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ACORN Predatory Lending Assistance
http://acornhousing.org/TEXT/predlend.php
ACORN won a class action litigation settlement relating to the mortgage lending practices of Household Finance Corporation and Beneficial Corporation which created provisions for a Foreclosure Assistance Program (FAP).
Under this program, borrowers who are behind on their loans because they cannot afford the payments could be eligible to have their interest rates reduced enough for their loans to become affordable again.
If you have suffered a verifiable loss of income or a verifiable increase in expenses since the time you took out your loan (such as loss of employment, temporary or permanent disability, reduction in monthly pay, increase in mortgage interest rate, child care, taxes or medical expenses), you may be eligible for hardship relief. ACORN also has a Fresh Start program for borrowers who have lost their homes through foreclosure to HFC. For more information, visit the website or call 888-409-3557. more
ICC Coverage
Buy a House
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/floodplain/nfipkeywords/icc.shtm
If you have a standard flood insurance policy, your home was more than 50% damaged, and the house falls below base flood elevation requirements, you qualify for Increased Cost of Compliance coverage, which offers up to $30,000 toward raising a home.
Find out about grants and loans to help you buy a house in our Buy a House section. Elevate Your House Back to Top
Elevation Information, Options, and Funding
http://chart.uno.edu/
UNO's Center for Hazards Assessment, Response, and Technology (CHART) assists homeowners in making informed decisions about home elevation.
The website features fliers with information about the benefits of elevating a home, advice about what to ask an elevation contractor, technical information about different elevation processes, and descriptions of a variety of funding sources for elevation, including both the Road Home Elevation Incentive and the state Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Award. Visit CHART's website at chart.uno.edu and click on "Projects" for the informational flyers.
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Rebuilding Information Station
http://www.lsuagcenter.com/rebuilding/informationstation
The Rebuilding Information Station, supported by UNO's Center for Hazards Assessment, Response, and Technology (CHART), provides face-to-face assistance to help homeowners make informed decisions about rebuilding. Information on elevation, energy efficiency, sources of funding, hiring contractors and flood insurance is available. Representatives of the Road Home will be available for consultation with homeowners on Fridays between the hours of 9 am and 1 pm. Stop by to discuss the status of your Road Home application with these representatives. The Station is located in UNO's Center for Energy Resource Management, Suite 103 in the research park located at 2045 Lakeshore Dr., directly across from UNO's main campus. Hours are Tues & Thurs from 10-6; Wed & Fri from 9-5; Sat 9-1. Free seminars on a variety of rebuilding issues are held weekly. See our calendar for seminar listings. For more information, call (504) 280-5577.
Road Home Elevation Program
http://road2la.org/homeowner/faqs.htm#9
The Road Home website covers the latest information about the elevation grant. The deadline to submit your elevation funding request was December 5, 2008. Returning the form only indicated that you have an interest in possibly elevating your home and would like to be considered for funding after you investigate your options further and decide whether or not to elevate. If you have questions about the Road Home Elevation Incentive or the State
HMGP Awards call the main Road Home information number at 1-888-762-3252. Choose the
regular "homeowner option" and the advisor that answers can service any type of call.
Rebuild Your House/Build a House Back to Top
Guide to Hiring a Contractor
Free or Low-Cost Rebuilding Assistance
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Several organizations are helping homeowners who have limited or depleted rebuilding monies to rehabilitate their homes with the help of volunteer labor and free construction materials. Click for a list of organizations offering assistance.
Preservation Resource Center Salvage Store
http://www.prcno.org/utilities/news/1015
The Salvage Store sells salvaged rebuilding materials for bargain prices.
Items available for sale include used windows, doors, columns, brackets, and wrought iron railings. The store is open from 10am – 4pm, Tuesday – Saturday, at 2801 Marais St. in the Bywater.
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Habitat ReStore
Rebuilding Consultation
http://www.habitat-nola.org/restore/index.php
Habitat ReStore accepts donations and resells new or used items such as sheetrock, roofing materials, doors, cabinets, and more for 30% to 90% off retail prices.
All profits from the Habitat ReStore are used to help Habitat build more houses in the New Orleans area.
Habitat ReStore is located at 2830 Royal Street and is open Wednesday thru Saturday 9:30am-5pm. Donations of doors, windows, cabinets, working appliances, roofing materials, sheet rock, and lumber are needed. Any building or remodeling material that's in good shape can be recycled through the Habitat ReStore, saving dumping costs and providing a tax deduction. To make a donation, drop it by the store, or call the Habitat ReStore at (504) 943-2240 to arrange for pickup. more
Rebuilding Information Station
http://www.lsuagcenter.com/rebuilding/informationstation
The Rebuilding Information Station, supported by UNO's Center for Hazards Assessment, Response, and Technology (CHART), provides face-to-face assistance to help homeowners make informed decisions about rebuilding. Information on elevation, energy efficiency, sources of funding, hiring contractors and flood insurance is available. Representatives of the Road Home will be available for consultation with homeowners on Fridays between the hours of 9 am and 1 pm. Stop by to discuss the status of your Road Home application with these representatives. The Station is located in UNO's Center for Energy Resource Management, Suite 103 in the research park located at 2045 Lakeshore Dr., directly across from UNO's main campus. Hours are Tues & Thurs from 10-6; Wed & Fri from 9-5; Sat 9-1. Free seminars on a variety of rebuilding issues are held weekly. See our calendar for seminar listings. For more information, call (504) 280-5577.
ACORN Housing: Rebuilding Consultation for 9th Ward and NO East Homeowners
http://www.acornhousing.org/TEXT/offices.php?reg=4
AHC NOLA Development offers rehab/rebuilding consultation services to current Lower Ninth Ward and New Orleans East homeowners.
The goal of this program is to help property owners navigate the rebuilding process. This service will include some or all of the following elements:
Build Now New Orleans
http://www.buildnownola.com/index.php
Build Now is a non-profit home-builder that helps New Orleans residents who lost their homes as a result of Hurricane Katrina overcome the obstacles preventing them from rebuilding.
Build Now assists each client with everything from choosing a floor plan to finding financing, and then builds a new home on the client's lot. Build Now holds a speaker series on the 3rd Thursday of every month called Build Now Talks. Visit the website or call (504) 324-3964 for more information.
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Preservation Resource Center
http://www.prcno.org/
The Preservation Resource Center offers a wealth of information for homeowners who are repairing or renovating, informative workshops, and a library of important rebuilding resources.
Rebuilding Flood damaged Homes Manual (.pdf)
http://www.afhh.org/res/res_pubs/shrfdh.pdf
This guide from the Alliance for Healthy Homes lays out how to clear out, decontaminate, and restore flood-damaged homes in a safe, healthy and affordable manner. The easy to read, illustrated manual emphasizes how to make homes better able to withstand high winds and water intrusion.
LSU AgCenter "LA House" Resource Guide
http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/family_home/home/la_house/my_house/
The LSU Ag Center has put together a resource guide of checklists and information to help you rebuild your house.
Information covers energy efficiency, healthy home-building, hazard-resistant materials, and more.
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Rebuilding? Get a Copy of the Louisiana Speaks Pattern Book
http://www.louisianaspeaks.org/planning.html?c=7
The Louisiana Recovery Authority's Louisiana Speaks initiative has put together the Louisiana Pattern Book, a reference guide of building designs and materials that will enable people to rebuild using more storm-resistant materials while maintaining the architectural character of South Louisiana.
Visit the Louisiana Speaks website to download the Pattern Book.
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Clean Your House Back to Top
Mold Removal Guide
http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/publications.asp?ID=145&Detail=716
Download this guide to mold removal from the CDC.
Free Lead Paint Tests
ACORN is helping individuals obtain free lead-paint tests. Call (504) 943-0044, ext. 155.
Creating a Healthy Home: A Field Guide for Clean-Up of Flooded Homes (.pdf)
http://www.nhsnola.org/FloodCleanupGuide.pdf
Download this illustrated step-by-step instructional guide for do-it-yourselfers and contractors.
You can also order a free copy by calling 585-327-5530.
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Demolish Your House Back to Top
Is My House on the Demolition List?
http://www.cityofno.com/portal.aspx?tabid=118
View a list of properties considered a nuisance and slated for demolition according to New Orleans' Gutting Ordinance.
Crescent Rising - Free Home Demolition
http://www.crescentrising.com/program.htm
This program, created by the Reggie White Foundation, offers free demolition of condemned homes. To apply, visit the website or call 1-888-350-3366.
Deconstruction: An Alternative to Demolition
http://www.mercycorps.org/topics/hurricanekatrina/1319
Deconstruction is done by contractors who take a home apart piece by piece to salvage reusable materials, recover items of historic value, and reclaim personal belongings if possible. For information call 225-236-2037.
Permits Back to Top
Orleans Parish Building Permits
http://www.cityofno.com/Portals/Portal37/portal.aspx
Safety & Permits-City Hall
1300 Perdido Street, Room 7E07 New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 658-7130
St. Bernard Parish Permits
http://www.sbpg.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=317&Itemid=156
Click the link for St. Bernard permitting information or call (504) 278-4310.
St. Tammany Parish Building Permits
http://www.stpgov.org/departments_permits_downloads.php
Department of Permits & Regulatory:
21490 Koop Drive Mandeville, LA 70471 Phone: 985-898-2574 Slidell Office: 61134 Military Road Slidell Slidell, LA 70458 Phone: 985-646-4166
Jefferson Parish Building Permits
http://www.jeffparish.net/index.cfm?DocID=1178
East Bank
1221 Elmwood Pk. Blvd., Suite 101 Harahan, LA 70123 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Commercial: 736-6959 Residential: 736-6957 West Bank 400 Maple Street Harvey, LA 70058 8:00a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Commercial: 364-3658 Residential: 364-3512 more Green Building Back to Top
Build it Back Green
http://www.globalgreen.org/bibg
BIBG, a free service of the non-profit group Global Green, can help you rebuild your home in a healthier, more energy-efficient way, helping you to reduce monthly utility costs.
Having received funding to help New Orleans homeowners, Global Green offers BIBG services free of charge to make you aware of the lowest-cost green rebuilding techniques, focusing on energy efficiency, water savings and indoor air quality. Visit the website for rebuilding tips, schedule an in-person consultation, or check the BIBG calendar for informational presentations in your area.
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The Green Project
http://www.thegreenproject.org/
The Green Project, located in New Orleans, recycles building components, materials, and paints, along with occasional supplies, furniture, appliances, or garden items.
Visit the Green Project for low-cost building materials, or donate your materials for re-use.
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Global Green USA
http://www.globalgreen.org/
A resource center for environmentally friendly building products and information.
Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Thursdays, noon to 8 p.m. 841 Carondelet St. more
Go Green NOLA
http://www.gogreennola.org/
Go Green NOLA is a guide for the New Orleans community on how to build and live in a green and sustainable way.
Find information on energy efficient building and living, gardening, recycling, local foods, local farmers markets, and more.
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Green Light New Orleans
http://www.greenlightneworleans.org/
Green Light New Orleans aims to help residents reduce energy consumption and energy bills by offering to change old style incandescent bulbs to modern compact fluorescent lighting FREE of charge. Each CFL will save the user more than $45 over the life of the bulb. They will come to your home and exchange your light bulbs at no cost to you.
Homeowners and renters are eligible. Read more and sign up on their website.
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Recycling in New Orleans (.pdf)
http://recycle.tulane.edu/NO_recycling_guide.pdf
Download this directory to find out where you can recycle in the New Orleans area.
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