LHC Awarded Increase in Mainstream Voucher Program Funding
Increase will Assist 27 Additional Louisiana Households
BATON ROUGE, LA — The Louisiana Housing Corporation was awarded $244,692 in additional Mainstream Voucher Program funding by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in May.
The funding was authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and represents a 30 percent increase in voucher funds received by the LHC in 2018 and 2019.
“Many households were affected by COVID-19 and the LHC is fully-committed to utilizing every resource available through the CARES Act to meet increasing needs,” said LHC Executive Director E. Keith Cunningham, Jr. “Our partnership with the Louisiana Department of Health and this increase in funding will help us continue to expand and increase services to those impacted by the pandemic.”
The Mainstream Housing Choice Voucher Program provides funding to public housing agencies (PHAs) to assist non-elderly, disabled individuals with rental and/or utility assistance.
“We believe in taking action when it comes to housing Louisiana’s homeless citizens because it not only saves lives, but it also creates culture and builds community,” said LHC Program Manager Chawuna Parker. “When this task happens, our goals are met, and we can continue to empower and grow new communities.”
Those who qualify for Mainstream Voucher Program Assistance must meet one of the following criteria:
- 18 – 62 years of age
- Have a disability
- Transitioning out of an institutional setting
- At-risk of institutionalization
- Currently at-risk of homelessness
- Previously experienced homelessness
- Current resident of a permanent supportive housing unit
Since 2018, LHC has received $755,711 in mainstream voucher funding, assisting 88 Louisiana households. This increase will assist an additional 27 households in 2020.
To apply for Mainstream Housing Choice Voucher assistance, contact the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals by dialing (844) 698-9075.
ABOUT LHC
The Louisiana Housing Corporation’s mission is to ensure that every Louisiana resident is granted an opportunity to obtain safe, affordable, energy-efficient housing. Each day this ongoing challenge is met by a dedicated staff of professionals who allocate federal and state funds to help low-to-moderate income citizens make their housing dreams a reality. LHC administers federal and state funds through programs designed to advance the development of energy efficient and affordable housing for working families, drive housing policy for Louisiana and oversee the state’s Disaster Housing Task Force.