Rental aid available in Louisiana for Tropical Storm Arthur damage

Federal rental assistance will be available to Louisiana residents who can’t live in their homes because of damage from Tropical Storm Arthur. The storm hit in late June, flooding areas in the central and southeastern parts of the state.

Gov. Jeff Landry’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness announced Monday the financial aid will be administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Affected renters, homeowners and students from Avoyelles, Lafourche, Pointe Coupee, St. Landry, St. Tammany and Terrebonne parishes are eligible to receive a temporary grant to pay for housing while their homes are repaired or rebuilt.

The money can be used for rent, security deposits, water, gas and electric service. The grants don’t cover internet service, cable or transportation costs, nor does it cover the cost of home repairs or food assistance.

The initial grant covers one to two months of rent, a duration that FEMA will decide on a case-by-case basis according to the governor’s office. People who receive the initial grant will be able to apply for more funds, with up to three months of rent approved at a time.

Recipients must document how they used their initial grant to qualify for continued assistance.
Applicants can use the online portal at DisasterAssistance.gov, FEMA’s app and help line, 800-621-3362, or visit any FEMA disaster recovery center.

The two locations in Louisiana are at the Terrebonne Parish Main Library in Houma and the Innis Branch of the Pointe Coupee Parish Library.

Applications for FEMA rental assistance grants are open until Oct. 1.