January 2007 Dear Friends of Community Action: As you know, the ravages of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita continue to plaque many Louisiana homeowners who were displaced by the storm. In one of the most dramatic emergency relief efforts in our country’s history, thousands of Louisiana citizens were literally spread across the nation with only the clothes on their backs. Our national community action family respond ed with food, clothing, housing and monetary support. Due to the severe and extensive damages of those storms over 123,000 homes were significantly damaged or destroyed. The State of Louisiana continues its efforts to assist those homeowners with their recovery efforts and Governor Blanco has initiated the Road Home Program that provides grants to eligible homeowners to assist them in their recovery efforts. A recent survey indicates there are approximately 40,000 homeowners that have not yet applied for their grant benefits. Our state network of community action agencies has been called on to help locate, identify and assist those eligible homeowners that have not yet applied for their grant benefits. In response, a consortia has been formed to specifically assist in locating, identifying and assisting those homeowner victims of the storms. It is called CAPC, Community Action Partnership Consortia and will serve as the coordinator of the state network of community action agencies to provide the required assistance in filing and submitting applications. CAPC is comprised of St. Mary CAA whose director is Almetra J. Franklin; Quad Area whose director is Wallace Sibley; and the Louisiana Association of Community Action Partnerships whose director is Jane Killen. A recent survey revealed that many homeowners, despite the efforts of the state and the contractor administering the program, are unaware of the program of its benefits or may have misconceptions about the program and the benefits they are eligible for. This is especially true of those citizens that were displaced to other states. We are therefore seeking your help in locating, identifying, and assisting those eligible homeowners in your state who may be eligible for up to $150,000 in grant benefits. By calling on your state network , we feel we can locate and assist those homeowners with their application. CAPC has set up a web site, www.lacapc.net that has links to the actual application, and has a toll free number that agencies and citizens can access for additional information. That number is 1-877-522-2728. Please visit our web site and call us with any questions you might have on how you can assist us in this very important program. Very truly yours, Gervis LaFleur, President Louisiana Association of Community Action Partnerships, Inc |
