Housing Improvement Program

Due to Hurricane Katrina, all mitigation projects are now on hold until further notice.

Improving housing conditions for low-income residents in the Impact Area has been one of the CBMC's critical concerns. Since its inception, the CBMC has attempted to shape a housing improvement program that could meaningfully impact the conditions of housing in the Mitigation Area.

In 2004, the Housing Working Group began to review possible options for the housing program. The CBMC reviewed the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Housing Rehabilitation and Stabilization Programs as potential models for creating a housing improvement plan. In November 2004, the CBMC voted to make housing a priority mitigation project for 2005.

On February 24, 2005 , the CBMC Housing Working Group met to set the parameters of the housing improvement Program. After reviewing many options for this program, including HUD programs, the CBMC finalized their recommendations for the program.

On March 17, 2005 , the CBMC voted unanimously to proceed with the recommendations of the Housing Working Group. The Corps is currently reviewing the CBMC's recommendations and is working with the City of New Orleans Neighborhood 1 (formerly the Division of Housing and Neighborhood Development -- DHND) to administer the program. A separate lottery will be held for the Impact Area and Neighborhood 1 will use the program guidelines set by the CBMC.

February 24, 2005 CBMC Housing Improvement Program Recommendations
Approved by the Full CBMC on March 17, 2005

• With the $200,000 mitigation funds set aside for the Housing Improvement Program, the CBMC voted to limit funding to $40,000 per house
• The first round of selection will be limited to one house for each impact area neighborhood (St. Claude/Florida, Bywater, Lower Ninth Ward, and Holy Cross)
• The housing program will allow general rehabilitation improvements as needed to bring the property up to code
• The housing program will be limited to owner-occupied, single-family units
• The homeowner must agree to live in the home for a minimum of five years after receiving funds
• The eligibility requirements for receiving funds are as follows:
  • Resident is a homeowner in the Impact Area
  • Resident earns 80% or less of the Median Family Income
  • Resident is 62 years of age or older
  • Resident may apply for this program if disabled and meets the income and residential requirements