Helpful Resources for Times of Emergency

Louisiana homeowners and renters affected by a hurricane who live in parishes that have recently been designated for individual assistance could be eligible for help from FEMA.

If you have homeowners or renters insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If you are uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

The fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting disasterassistance.gov/. If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, seven days a week. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

Spanish-speakers can call or text the hotline and press “2” for bilingual support. Callers can also connect with counselors in over 100 other languages via 3rd-party interpretation services by indicating their preferred language to the responding counselor, who will connect to a live interpreter.

When you apply for assistance, have the following information readily available:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
• Your Social Security number, if available
• A general list of damage and losses
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

As soon as it is safe to do so, start cleaning up. Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.

Disaster assistance may include financial help for temporary lodging and home repairs along with other programs to assist families recover from the effects of the event.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans are available for homeowners, renters, businesses of any size and most nonprofits. Similar to FEMA, SBA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance.

For small businesses, those engaged in aquaculture and most nonprofits, up to $2 million is available for working capital needs even if there was no property damage, with a $2 million maximum loan for any combination of property damage and working capital needs.

For homeowners: up to $200,000 is available to repair or replace their primary residence. For homeowners and renters: up to $40,000 is available to replace personal property, including vehicles.

Businesses and residents can apply online at sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. For questions and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov. SBA will answer specific questions about how a disaster loan may help each survivor recover from the disaster damage

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

Apply online or call 1-800-621-3362.

HUD Disaster Assistance For Louisiana

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will announce federal disaster aid and assistance for areas in the State of Louisiana after a disaster.

Providing immediate foreclosure relief – HUD’s automatic 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured home mortgages commenced on the date of the Presidential major disaster declaration, and foreclosures of mortgages to Native American borrowers guaranteed under the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program. For assistance, call your loan servicer or FHA’s Resource Center at 1-800-304-9320.

Making mortgage insurance available – HUD’s Section 203(h) program provides FHA insurance to disaster victims whose homes were destroyed or damaged to such an extent that reconstruction or replacement is necessary and are facing the daunting task of rebuilding or buying another home. Borrowers from participating FHA-approved lenders are eligible for 100 percent financing, including closing costs.

Making insurance available for both mortgages and home rehabilitation – HUD’s Section 203(k) loan program enables those who have lost their homes to finance the purchase or refinance of a house along with its repair through a single mortgage. It also allows homeowners who have damaged houses to finance the rehabilitation of their existing single-family home.

Sharing information on housing providers and HUD programs – The Department will share information with FEMA and the State on housing providers that may have available units in the impacted counties. This includes Public Housing Agencies, Tribally-Designated Housing Entities, and Multi-Family owners. The Department will also connect FEMA and the State to subject matter experts to provide information on HUD programs and providers.

Providing flexibility to states and local governments – HUD will issue regulatory waivers to allow communities more flexibility to use their existing Community Development Block Grant, Continuum of Care, HOME, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS, and Emergency Solutions Grant funds. These waivers will make it easier for communities to respond quickly in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.

Providing flexibility to Public Housing Authorities (PHA) – Public Housing Authorities can apply for needed administrative flexibility through disaster waivers, in response to the devastating aftermath of a hurricane. For detailed information on applying for a waiver, click for the latest guidance Federal Register Disaster Relief Notice. HUD will also release notices, which will grant administrative flexibilities to waive or establish alternative requirements for numerous statutory and regulatory requirements for various Public Housing Programs. As a reminder, to be eligible to receive a disaster waiver, the PHA must be located in an active Major Disaster Declaration (MDD) area and submit a waiver within four months of a disaster.

Providing flexibility to Tribes – Tribes and their Tribally Designated Housing Entities can apply for needed administrative flexibility through regulatory waivers, in response to the devastating aftermath of a hurricane. For detailed information on how to apply for a waiver, Tribes and TDHEs should contact their local Office of Native American Programs or email Codetalk@hud.gov.

Ensuring HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are ready to assist – HUD-approved housing counseling agencies have counselors available to assist those who are impacted by natural disasters to determine assistance needs and available resources. Find a HUD-approved housing counseling agency.

Assisting with housing discrimination – Housing discrimination sometimes occurs when people are attempting to find housing following a disaster.  HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity is available to assist people who believe they have experienced housing discrimination.  If you think your rights have been violated, you should file a fair housing complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  You can file a complaint by calling HUD at 1-800-669-977 or visiting How to File a Complaint on HUD’s website. Materials and assistance are available for persons with limited English proficiency. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may contact the Department using the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.  You should file a complaint with HUD as soon as possible.  HUD may be unable to help you if your complaint is filed more than one year after the last discriminatory act.  You may also be able to file a complaint with a state or local fair housing agency.  A list of the state and local fair housing agencies funded by HUD is available on HUD’s website here.

A toll-free legal aid hotline is now available for those in Louisiana impacted by severe storms, tornadoes,and flooding. The service, which provides legal referral information for low-income individuals with disaster legal needs, is a partnership between the Louisiana State Bar Association, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Low-income survivors facing legal issues may call 1-800-310-7029 to learn of the available civil legal resources in their area. The automated hotline is not staffed by individuals, but recorded messages will direct callers to legal resources where they can reach a live contact. The hotline is available 24/7 and callers can leave a message any time.

In addition to the hotline, low-income consumers can also get help through the Louisiana Free Legal Answers, an online pro bono program that is part of ABA Free Legal Answers which allows users to ask civil legal questions that may be answered by volunteer attorneys.

Referral agencies generally address disaster legal issues such as:

• Assistance with securing FEMA and other benefits available to disaster survivors
• Assistance with life, medical and property insurance claims
• Help with home repair contracts and contractors
• Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster
• Assisting in consumer protection matters, remedies, and procedures
• Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems
• Counseling on landlord/tenant problems

Survivors should be aware that there are some limitations on free disaster legal services. For example, a caller may not qualify for civil legal aid because they do not meet the income guidelines of the organization.

Point of Distribution (POD) locations are determined by the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) and these locations will distribute ice, water, food, and tarps during times of emergency.

The list below represents some former locations from past disasters.

Ascension Parish

• Frank Sotile, Jr. Pavilion – 2162 Thibaut Dr, Donaldsonville, LA 70346

Assumption Parish

• Bayou L’Ourse Recreation Center – 1213 LA-662, Morgan City, LA 70380

Jefferson Parish

• John Bright Playground – Ney Rey Park, 3401 Cleary Ave, Metairie, LA 70002
• Alario Center – 2000 Segnette Blvd, Westwego, LA 70094
• Zephyr Field – 6000 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA 70003
• Helen Cox High School – 2200 Lapalco Blvd, Harvey, LA 70058

Lafourche Parish

• Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church – 723 N Bayou Dr, Golden Meadow, LA 70357
• Raceland Ag Center – 115 Texas Street, Raceland, LA 70394
• Thibodaux Family Church – 785 N Canal Blvd, Thibodaux, LA 70301
• Larose Civic Center – 307 E 5th St, Larose, LA 70373 – 806 Crescent Ave, Lockport, LA 70374
• Lockport Volunteer Fire Department – 806 Crescent Ave, Lockport, LA 70374
• Choctaw Volunteer Fire Station – 2854 Choctaw Rd, Thibodaux, LA 70301
• Bayou Blue Recreation Center – 200 Mazerac St, Houma, LA 70364

Livingston Parish

• AmVets – 26890 LA-42, Springfield, LA 70462
• Bethlehem Baptist Church – 29350 S. Montpelier Ave, Albany, LA 70711
• Albertson’s – 402 South Range Ave, Denham Springs, LA 70726
• Killian Baptist Church – 27994 LA-22, Springfield, LA 70462
• Joseph Catholic Church – 15710 La Hwy 16, French Settlement, LA 70733

Orleans Parish

• Lyons Recreation Center – 624 Louisiana Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
• Joe Brown Park – 5601 Read Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127
• Louis Armstrong Park – 701 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116
• Skelly Rupp Stadium – 2515 Vespasian Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70114
• Wesley Barrow Stadium – 6500 Press Dr, New Orleans, LA 70126
• YMCA New Orleans

Plaquemines Parish

• Percy Griffin Community Center – 15577 Highway 15, Davant, LA 70040
• Plaquemines Parish Government Complex – 333 F Edward Hebert Blvd, Belle Chasse, LA 70037

St. Bernard Parish

• Tractor Supply – 2505 Archbishop Philip M Hannan Blvd, Meraux, LA 70075

St. Charles Parish

• Jerusalem Shriner Center – 1940 Ormond Blvd, Destrehan, LA 70047
• Westbank Bridge Park – 13825 River Rd, Luling, LA 70070

St. Helena Parish

• First Ward Voting Precinct
• 6 x Micro POD

St. James Parish

• Sacred Heart Church – 616 E Main St, Gramercy, LA 70052
• St. James High School – 22187 LA-20, Vacherie, LA 70090

St. John Parish

• West St. John High School – 480 LA-3127, Edgard, LA 70049
• Regala Park – 194 Regala Park Rd, Reserve, LA 70084
• Garyville / Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School – 240 LA-54, Garyville, LA 70051

St. Tammany Parish

• Fritchie Park – 905 W Howze Beach Rd, Slidell, LA 70458
• First Baptist Church – 16333 LA-1085, Covington, LA 70433

Tangipahoa Parish

• Ponchatoula Walmart – 1331 US-51, Ponchatoula, LA 70454
• Hammond Walmart – 2799 W Thomas St, Hammond, LA 70401
• 4 x Micro POD

Terrebonne Parish

• Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center – 346 Civic Center Blvd, Houma, LA 70360
• Montegut Recreation Center – 107 Recreation Dr, Montegut, LA 70377
• Grand Caillou Fire Department – 4717 Grand Caillou Rd, Houma, LA 70363
• Ward 7 Citizens Club – 5006 LA-56, Chauvin, LA 70344
• Bayou Dularge Volunteer Fire Department – 1767 Bayou Dularge Rd, Theriot, LA 70397
• South Terrebonne High School – 3879 LA-24, Bourg, LA 70343
• Donner Community Center – 361 Azalea Dr, Donner, LA 70352
• Point-Aux-Chenes
• Living Word Church – 1916 LA-311, Schriever, LA 70395

Washington Parish

• Northshore Charter School – 111 Walker St, Bogalusa, LA 70427
• Franklinton High School – 1 Demon Cir, Franklinton, LA 70438