Round three of the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (FHP) opens at noon on Monday, Nov. 6. Only 750 grants of up to $10,000 are available.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to review and understand the eligibility information before applying, according to a press release from Commissioner Jim Donelon’s office.

The first two rounds of grants opened and closed quickly. Grant dates were separated and spread out, instead of the Department allowing for a longer initial application period for the single full amount to reduce administrative burden and allow evaluators and contractors to better manage their workloads, the Deputy Commissioner John Ford said. He said the Department didn’t have a record of the parishes from which these applicants are from, only addresses.

“We currently have about 1,500 applicants in the system working toward completing the grant process. Because the first applicants were selected on Oct. 2, we don’t yet have any applicants who have fully completed the process, and grants aren’t awarded until the process is complete, Ford said.

The LFHP provides grants of up to $10,000 for homeowners to repair or replace their roofs to the FORTIFIED Roof standard of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). More information is available at www.ldi.la.gov/fortifyhomes. Those interested in the program are encouraged to review eligibility information and frequently asked questions on the LFHP website cited above to determine whether their home meets the requirements for the program.

Homeowners are required to create a profile in the LFHP system before applying for a grant and may do so by visiting www.ldi.la.gov/fortifyhomes. LFHP staff urge homeowners who are interested in the program to create a profile before the grant application period opens, as homeowners will need to log in to their profile before applying on November 6. Eligible homeowners should attempt to apply as quickly as possible once the application window goes live at noon.

The grant will cover the cost of reinforcing a roof using methods that meet or exceed the FORTIFIED Roof standard, which includes strengthening a building against severe storms, high winds and wind driven rain. Homeowners must meet eligibility requirements and pay all costs for the roof upgrade including permits, inspections and construction costs beyond the amount of the grant.

Homeowners are only eligible for their primary residence and must verify they have a homestead exemption on the property if selected for a grant.

Homeowners must provide proof of an active residential insurance policy with wind coverage if selected for a grant. If they live in a Special Flood Hazard Area as designated by FEMA, they must also provide proof of a flood insurance policy. Contact your agent if you are unsure whether you have these coverages.

New construction homes, condominiums and mobile homes do not qualify.

Homes on a foundation constructed of unrestrained stacked masonry or stone (dry-stack foundation) are not eligible without an approved retrofit of the foundation.

Homes must be in good repair as determined by a FORTIFIED Evaluator. Homeowners are responsible for hiring and paying the evaluation fee, which is typically between $300 and $500.

Grant funds are paid directly to contractors. Homeowners are financially responsible for all costs beyond the full grant amount. Grant funding is limited to construction costs.

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These and all other eligibility requirements and program details may be reviewed at www.ldi.la.gov/fortifyhomes.