Press Releases
Released on October 11, 2007
RECOVERY CORPS LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAM IN LAKE CHARLES AND NEW ORLEANS FOR HOME ASSISTANCE TO DISASTER-AFFECTED RESIDENTS
ligible residents can call for appointments beginning Oct. 15
BATON ROUGE, LA. – On Oct. 15, 2007, the Louisiana Family Recovery Corps will begin taking appointments for hurricane-impacted residents interested in applying for aid through the newly created Household Establishment Funds, or HEF, program, which will offer one-time assistance for rent, furniture and appliances.
Through the HEF program, current households of Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson and Orleans parishes that meet certain eligibility requirements can receive up to $1,500 in assistance for rental deposits and payments, utility deposits and the purchase of furniture or appliances such as a bed, stove, washer, dryer and/or refrigerator. The program will be administered at various sites in local communities across those parishes.
"The Recovery Corps' HEF program will help meet each family's individual need while bringing the service closer to them in their very own communities, where they can obtain the amenities that will help them secure a more stable home for themselves and their family," said Raymond A. Jetson, chief executive officer of the Recovery Corps. "What we have found is that lack of time and transportation in their day-to-day lives can be barriers to families getting assistance, so we are doing our best to bring the aid to them as they continue to recover from the lingering effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita."
To administer and implement the HEF program in Calcasieu and Cameron parishes, the Recovery Corps awarded a services contract to the Louisiana Health and Rehab Center, Inc., or LHRC, and for Jefferson and Orleans parishes, the Urban League of Greater New Orleans was selected. Both organizations were chosen after a thorough request for proposals and external review process that began on the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
"No single entity can address all of the complex issues storm-affected residents face when trying to establish or re-establish a household. We are excited to be partnering with the Recovery Corps in their efforts to help families recover," said Soundra Temple, LHRC executive director. "The HEF program will make a difference in the lives of so many who are still working to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Rita."
"The Household Establishment Fund Voucher Program is a practical example of partnerships that create measurable change that adds value to the lives of those impacted by the hurricanes. Residents get the assistance they need and the assurance they are not forgotten as they continue to make strides to re-establish their household and gain an economic foot-hold," said Nolan V. Rollins, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater New Orleans.
While both the LHRC and Urban League will be involved with the daily operations of the program in their respective geographic areas, the Recovery Corps will provide management and oversight of the assistance given to disaster-affected residents who qualify. Both organizations will also identify community-based facilities in Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson and Orleans parishes from which families can access the services. LHRC and the Urban League will also provide staff to conduct appointments with qualified households and issue HEF vouchers. With current funding, the Recovery Corps envisions assisting at least 2,300 households with the HEF program.
Beginning Monday, October 15, 2007, all residents interested in participating in the Recovery Corps' HEF program must call 1-800-333-3104 to verify their initial eligibility and schedule an appointment in or near their local community with a family liaison. No walk-ins will be allowed. Appointments are scheduled to begin on Monday, Oct. 29, 2007.
To be considered for a HEF voucher, residents must be at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level (family size and income chart can be viewed at http://www.recoverycorps.org/hef.php); be working a minimum of 24 hours per week; be a current resident of Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson or Orleans parish; and have a pre-storm address in one of the hurricane-affected parishes, which include: Acadia, Allen, Assumption, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, Sabine, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermillion, Vernon or Washington. Additional requirements apply and will be outlined with applicants upon scheduling their appointment.
About the Recovery Corps
The Recovery Corps, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is based in Baton
Rouge, La., was formed in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Through contractual
arrangements with human service organizations and other non-profit organizations,
the Recovery Corps has assisted more than 30,000 hurricane-affected households
with recovery planning, housing, children's services and emotional well-being
needs since January 2006. To learn more, visit www.recoverycorps.org.
About LHRC
The Louisiana Health and Rehab Center, Inc. (LHRC), is a private non-profit
organization based in Baton Rouge, La. Founded in June 2000, LHRC provides both
community-based and residential programs for families in the areas of children’s
services, mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse. For
additional information, visit www.lahealthandrehab.org.
About the Urban League of Greater New Orleans
The Urban League, operating in New Orleans since 1938, is a non-profit, non-partisan,
community-based organization dedicated to empowering communities and changing
lives. Through advocacy and direct service, the Urban League serves upwards
of 10,000 clients annually in education, childcare, business development and
employment and training programs. The mission of the Urban League is to assist
individuals and families to become economically self-sufficient. For additional
information, visit www.urbanleagueneworleans.org.
