NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — New Orleans’ new fortified roof program is set to help homeowners struggling to upgrade their roofs as we enter hurricane season.
“We are on the front lines climate that has already changed and it’s very important that we equip our residents and homeowners with tools to make it through the storms,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
Partnering with Rebuilding Together New Orleans, applications are on a first-come-first-served basis and assist 35 homeowners in the city.
“This is not about building new houses, this is about making sure that our community can be stronger together and making sure our neighbors have the right to live in a safe and healthy house,” said Executive Director of Rebuilding Together New Orleans William Stoudt.
Homeowners, like Wanda Brooks Bernard, recall having to leave their homes after multiple storms damaged their roofs.
“They’re making it safer for us throughout this hurricane season. We got a new roof. We don’t have to worry about that, things we couldn’t do ourselves. So, I want to say thank you to everybody out here,” said Bernard.
The mayor says the goal is to help residents stay safe and lower their steep property insurance rates. But with only 35 homeowners able to sign up, Cantrell hopes to expand the program and be able to offer more roofing assistance in the future through federal funds.
“We have also been able to leverage and get additional resources because we are doing the work,” said Cantrell.
In partnership with RTNO, OCD will administer grants to eligible residents. The city has allocated $500,000 to the program, which is anticipated to assist at least 35 households.
This program is on a first-come, first-serve basis, and residents are encouraged to reach out to Rebuilding Together New Orleans in order to begin the application process.
This program is only available to Orleans Parish residents who own and occupy the house requesting a FORTIFIED Roof, and this must be the only home owned and occupied by the resident. Other requirements include:
- Single-family houses (less than four dwellings)
- Applicants must be an individual and prove ownership of the property
- Homes must meet the building requirements of the FORTIFIED program; this includes non-roof elements like foundations, etc.
- Homeowners whose household income is less than 80% of the area median income as defined by Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- Meet all other eligibility requirements of RTNO and OCD’s Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation program.
To learn more about the program, visit the Rebuilding Together New Orleans website.
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