Steps for Applying for Louisiana Restore Program
Apply online at Restore Louisiana and take survey. This will tell you if you are able to be accepted into the program. If approved for the program, then you will get an email to complete the application or they will call you to go to Magnolia Building in Lake Charles to complete the application. The direct number is 337-721-3500.
Next step, they will send out an inspector to look at your damaged structure. The inspec.tor is only going to look at the completed repairs and not material that haven’t been completed. Make sure to keep your receipts for appeal.
You will be assigned a case manager. Inspector will turn in his report to case manager and case manager will turn over to grant department.
Grant department will send you an award letter through email or mail. DO NOT ACCEPT UNTIL YOU MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH TO BUY A MOBILE HOME OR HOME.
GRANT LETTER
The grant letter, you have 3 options; accept, appeal, or talk to worker.
You have 60 days to choose your option. Check with mobile home places first because they do expect you to cover the homeowner responsibilities. There is a way around this if you get the right mobile home company. LA Manufactures in Lake Charles is the best I found to help you. Hayleigh isn’t afraid to get on the phone with LA Restore and figure out any problems. If you have receipts from your FEMA money for material that work hasn’t been completed yet, appeal so you can get more grant money. The grant money will also cover inspection of mechanical system, permits and dirt work, if needed.
GRANTS There are extra grants you can apply for.
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Elevation Grant – you must be 2 foot above flood stage in Cameron Parish for Restore program. There is an elevation grant you can get. You have to tell your construction manager you want to apply.
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Flood Insurance Grant – you must carry flood insurance for 1 year with LA Restore. There is a grant to cover up to $2000 a year. They moved the deductible up to $10,000 because $2000 would not cover a year in Cameron Parish. Tell construction manager you want to apply.
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Ramp Grant – if you are disabled, there is a grant you can apply for that will cover up to $4000 for ramp. Tricky part on Ramp is once you pick out mobile home, you have to tell mobile home company you want to apply for Ramp. They are the ones that have to apply for it. You have to do this before you sign your closing paperwork with them.
PURCHASE AGREEMENT Once you find a mobile home in your budget, the mobile home company will send the agree.ment to your construction manager for approval. Remember to make sure you have every.thing figured into this price, so you don’t have any out-of-pocket expenses, if possible. I did mine with $101,000 and had no out-of-pocket expenses except for the porch. Once construc.tion manager approves, you will get call to complete your Restore grant. You can go into office or E-sign and then you will get letter to proceed. At that time, mobile home company will order mobile home. Once you decide to accept your grant, you will be given a construc.tion manager. The construction manager will be the one that is with you until the end. Some.times they are hard to get in touch with. If you hadn’t heard back from your construction manager within a week, you call your case manager and they will find out status.
Note: If you haven’t had an elevation shot within the last 2 years, you will have to get one done from licensed surveyor. The cost is about $800 and your grant money will cover this.
WAYS TO SAVE ON YOUR GRANT MONEY
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If you have licensed plumber, electrical and someone to install your water, do it yourself. If not, that comes out of your grant money.
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If you have any questions, ask it. No question is a crazy one. Don’t be afraid to stand your ground or leave and go to another mobile home company. Some will try their best to make you finance. If you budget, you can have a nice home and get everything done.
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If you have a damaged mobile home on your property, don’t settle for mobile home company not wanting to give you anything. Something is better than nothing.
CURTIS FOUNTAIN 337-884-2368
M-45 Runs 3_23_2023