BATON ROUGE, LA — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded more than $5.4 million to the Desire Community Housing Corporation in New Orleans for the replacement of their multi-function administrative center. The facility sustained extensive flooding following Katrina with water levels in the building ranging from six to seven feet.
The Desire Community Housing Corporation is a non-critical, private non-profit (PNP) organization that provides affordable housing and housing services to low income families in New Orleans.
The funding was awarded for eligible expenses related to the demolition and replacement cost of the 44,960-square foot facility. Eligible costs included cleaning of debris and removal of flood damaged contents at the facility, site work, Architectural/Engineering and Project Management fees.
This grant is funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program which reimburses communities for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a disaster. Eligible applicants include states, federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations. The grant applications are submitted from the state, which coordinates the process with local governments.
FEMA obligates funding directly to the state. It is the state's responsibility to ensure that Desire Community Housing Corporation receives this award. Following the state's review process, and upon receipt of appropriate documentation, they will provide the funds on a reimbursable basis.
FEMA has a long-term commitment to help Louisiana communities recover and become more resilient. Providing funding to eligible non-profits is a way to ensure essential and critical services continue to be available for New Orleans residents.