Shreveport, La. – The city’s Department of Community Development is preparing to allocate a $1.8 million federal housing grant to roughly 75 local families who need essential home repairs. The funding, provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, targets low‑ and moderate‑income, owner‑occupied homeowners whose homes require work to remain safe and livable.
What the grant covers
Eligible projects include new roofing, heating and air‑conditioning repairs, replacement of leaking pipes, and modifications that improve accessibility for residents with disabilities. By addressing these needs, the program aims to keep families in their homes and prevent properties from slipping into decay or blight.
City officials stress family stability
Community Development Director Verni Howard explained that the grant’s primary goal is to protect families from being uprooted. “We’re trying to prevent families from being uprooted from their environment,” Howard said. “We certainly don’t want houses to fall into decay or blight, but these are owner‑occupied homes that need repair.”
Howard added that the program is especially important for elderly residents and other homeowners who lack the financial resources to undertake major repairs on their own. The department has already compiled a waiting list of about 20 potential recipients and is urging interested residents to begin the application process.
Application timeline
The online application portal is slated to open on October 1. Officials advise applicants to start gathering paperwork now so they are ready when the portal launches. Interested parties can find more information and submit applications through the Shreveport Department of Community Development’s website or by calling 318‑673‑5000.
Impact on the community
Howard noted that the department receives roughly 20 calls a day from community members seeking assistance. “This funding will allow us to address those needs of the most vulnerable in our community,” he said.
By enabling critical repairs, the grant not only safeguards the health and safety of residents but also helps preserve property values and neighborhood stability. The city expects the program to reduce the number of homes falling into disrepair, thereby supporting a stronger, more resilient Shreveport.
Looking ahead
While the current grant covers an estimated 75 families, city leaders hope the success of this initiative will encourage additional federal and state resources for similar programs in the future. For now, the focus remains on getting applications in, completing repairs quickly, and keeping Shreveport families safely rooted in their homes.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
