News Summary
Homeowners in Louisiana can now apply for $10,000 grants through the state’s Fortify Homes Program to improve roof fortification against hurricane winds. With 500 grants available, eligible homeowners in the Coastal Zone can enhance their storm resilience while potentially lowering insurance premiums. Registration opens on September 2 and runs until September 12, utilizing a lottery system for grant selection.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Homeowners in Louisiana can now register for $10,000 roof fortification grants from the state’s Fortify Homes Program. This latest round of funding opens new opportunities for residents in designated areas to upgrade their roofs to better withstand hurricane winds.
A total of 500 grants are available during this registration period, specifically for homeowners situated in Louisiana’s Coastal Zone, which includes areas such as Lake Charles, Sulphur, and Westlake. Each grant offers up to $10,000 to facilitate the installation of roofs that can endure hurricane winds of up to 150 mph, thereby reducing the potential for storm-related damages.
If selected, the grant funds will be paid directly to contractors who perform the work. Homeowners will be responsible for any costs that exceed the grant amount. Individuals who previously registered for the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP) lotteries in September 2024 or February 2025 will automatically be re-registered for this current round, while others who registered before September 2024 must register again to be eligible.
Registration for the program will be open from 8 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2, to 5 p.m. on Friday, September 12. A lottery system will be utilized to randomly select qualifying homeowners for the grants.
The Coastal Zone comprises areas that are particularly vulnerable to disasters, including prominent locations such as New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, and regions along the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Homeowners interested in applying can check their eligibility through an online mapping tool provided by the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
In addition to enhancing storm resilience, installing fortified roofs can also lead to decreased homeowner insurance premiums. The Fortify Homes Program has reported a median reduction in insurance costs of 22% for beneficiaries, since its inception in 2023, which has seen the issuance of over 3,700 grants.
It is essential to note that grant amounts from the Fortify Homes Program do not need to be repaid, as they are classified as grants and not loans. Homeowners must create a profile on the Fortify Homes website in order to register for the grants.
Registration and selection for the grants do not operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Homeowners can register on the last day of the registration period and will have equal chances of being selected as those who register earlier.
Contractors engaged for the roofing work must be listed on an approved list maintained by the Louisiana Department of Insurance. Homeowners can find detailed requirements and rules for participation by visiting the Fortify Homes website or by contacting the support line at (800) 259-5300 for assistance.
The ongoing support from the Fortify Homes Program aims to provide Louisiana homeowners with the necessary resources to enhance their properties’ safety and resilience against hurricane threats. With active participation in this program, homeowners have the opportunity to significantly improve their roofs while taking advantage of financial assistance available from the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WDSU: Louisiana Homeowners Can Apply for Fortified Roof Program
- Wikipedia: Hurricane protection
- Louisiana Illuminator: Louisiana’s Next Fortified Roof Grant Lottery
- Google Search: Fortified Roof Program Louisiana
- Louisiana Radio Network: Fortified Roof Program News
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Roof Fortification
- Unfiltered with Kiran: Louisiana Fortify Homes Program Lottery
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Resilience
- New Orleans City Business: Louisiana Fortified Roofs and Insurance
- Google News: Louisiana Fortified Homes
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
