Louisiana HFA Announces Gulf Coast Energy Crisis Assistance Program

Baton Rouge, LA (July 29, 2010) –Due to the recent deepwater oil leak in the gulf coast, the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency has released $500,000 to implement the “Gulf Coast Energy Crisis Assistance Program.” This program will provide emergency home energy assistance to families and individuals affected by the oil leak. 

“Reports from the parishes impacted by the disaster in the Gulf indicate that utility and energy assistance are greatly needed,” said Milton Bailey, President of the LHFA. “We anticipate that this energy crisis assistance will be able to help families get back on their feet as we continue to deal with the impacts from the oil leak.”

The program will be effective beginning July 29, 2010 through September 30, 2010 and will operate on first come first serve basis. Families will be eligible for one time assistance of up to $1,000 to restore utilities or to prevent shut off. The assistance will be available for the 13 parishes that were declared disaster zones: St. Mary, Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson, Orleans, St. Tammany, Cameron, Iberia, St. Charles, Tangipahoa, and Vermillion.

To participate in the program, the applicant must meet the Low Income Home Energy Federal guidelines, and LHFA’s established policy for LIHEAP crisis assistance program. LIHEAP is a program that helps low-income households cover home energy costs. Those seeking assistance must have a household income that does not exceed 60% of the state’s median income. For more information and for eligibility requirements, visit our website at: www.lhfa.state.la.us or call (225) 763-8700.