Homeowner Assistance Program Overview

Homeowner Program Steps

1. 1Complete the Program Survey

   Completing the program survey is the first step in receiving assistance. The Restore Louisiana program survey deadline was August 1, 2023. Homeowners who did not submit a survey by the deadline may not be considered for program assistance.

2. 2Environmental Review

   The federally required environmental review is the process of reviewing a project and its potential environmental impact to determine whether it meets federal, state and local environmental standards. The environmental review is conducted without an appointment and from the road or right-of-way.

3. 3Complete the Program Application

   Qualified homeowners who submitted a program survey and have had an environmental review of their property performed by the program were invited to complete the program application according to their phase. The deadline to complete the Restore Louisiana program application was October 31, 2023.

4. 4Eligibility Review

   The program will review the application and information from third-party sources to determine whether the homeowner meets eligibility requirements for the program. If the program is unable to verify information from third party sources, applicants may be required to submit supporting documentation for program review.

5. 5Damage & Lead Assessment

   During a scheduled damage assessment appointment with the applicant, inspectors will use industry standard software to inspect work already completed and to determine a scope of work for prospective repairs needed to complete the home. The program will also send inspectors to test for lead-based paint in homes constructed prior to 1978.

6. 6Award Determination

   After steps 1-5 are completed, the homeowner will receive their calculated grant award which accounts for any duplication of benefits. The homeowner will have 60 days to either accept or appeal their award. Homeowners may also consult with their case manager during this period.

7. 7Contractor Selection

   If a homeowner has remaining repairs or will require reconstruction, during the application the homeowner will choose between SOLUTION 1: Program Managed Construction or SOLUTION 2: Homeowner Managed Construction prior to closing on their grant award. Based on individual conditions at the time of application, applicants can choose the program solution which best fits their own need and capacity to complete their home repair or reconstruction project within the program allotted timeframe.

   Prior to closing on their grant awards, applicants will be asked to select their contractor based on their previously chosen solution. Applicant will be able to work with their case manager throughout the contractor selection process.

   Please visit the program Resources page for more information on contractor selection:

   • Solution 1 Reconstruction

   • Solution 2 Reconstruction

   • Solution 2 10 Tips for Hiring a Contractor

   • Solution 2 Mobile Home Unit Repair Options

   • Fortified Construction Checklist

   • Fortified Roof Checklist

   Contractor Selection is the last status where the solution chosen on the application may be changed prior to closing on the grant award.

8. 8Grant Agreement & Execution

   After accepting their award, the homeowner will meet with the closing team to sign their grant agreement.

9. 9Reimbursement, Repair, Reconstruction

   Once the grant agreement is executed and depending on the homeowner’s selected solution, the homeowner will be issued a reimbursement check and/or will be provided a grant award to repair or reconstruct their home. The allotted time for project repairs/reconstruction starts on the date the grant agreement is executed.