Free onsite help for victims of Hurricane Ida – L’Observateur

LAPLACE — More than four months have passed since Hurricane Ida struck southeast Louisiana, but the hurricane recovery is far from over in the community of St. John the Baptist.

Many families remain displaced from their homes and others are still awaiting funds to begin repairs. The Church of St. John the Baptist continues to work with FEMA on temporary housing, which includes identifying a commercial site for those in need to set up trailers.

As of January 11, 92 FEMA adherents were licensed in the parish of St. John the Baptist. Another 370 people have been approved for housing by FEMA.

Residents with questions for assistance can call the FEMA hotline at 1-800-621-3362 between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily.

Also underway is the state protection program, which to date has approved 429 temporary housing units in the community of St. John. Residents can still apply for the state program at idashelteringla.com or by calling 844-268-0301.

The St. John the Baptist Congregation continues to offer free legal assistance during disasters by appointment. Please call extension 225-448-0080. 336 on schedule.

“Disaster Legal Assistance can be used for something as simple as notarizing a document related to Hurricane Ida,” said Community President Jaclyn Hotard.

During the Jan. 11 Parish Council meeting in LaPlace, Hotard shared free options that are still available to residents who need help with their homes.

The Long-Term Recovery Group has been activated and can be reached by phone at 985-703-8411. The Long-Term Recovery Group connects residents with helpful resources through partnerships with various charities.

The aid organization Eight Days of Hope will return in April to help residents rebuild.

“Please call now to be put on the list. If you need help with a tree or gutting your home, these volunteers come and can help residents who may not have insurance or may be underinsured,” Hotard said.

Help is also available for local residents financially impacted as a result of Hurricane Ida.
“If you have a cancellation notice or a current overdue notice on your Entergy bill, you may be eligible for crisis assistance through our Department of Health and Human Services,” Hotard said.

Health and Human Services can be reached at 985-536-4955.