About the Isle De Jean Charles Resettlement
The Isle de Jean Charles Resettlement is a federally funded, first-of-its-kind effort that will offer resettlement options to current and former residents of Isle de Jean Charles in a safer and more sustainable community.
Participation in the Resettlement is voluntary; the state will not force anyone to leave the island and residents are encouraged to make their own, independent decisions. The Resettlement focuses on developing stronger and less flood-prone homes for the Isle de Jean Charles community that reflect and preserve its unique culture, diversity and history.
Resettlement Goals: Safety, Collaboration, Sustainability and Preservation
- Assist willing island residents in moving out of harm’s way to safe, new homes in a community that provides an improved quality of life and is located on safer, higher ground than their island property; or, if they prefer not to join the new community, they may move to an existing home in a lower-risk area in Louisiana.
- Collaborate with current and past island residents on the design of the new community.
- Ensure that the community is economically sustainable in its new location.
- Facilitate preservation and continuity of islanders’ diverse cultural identities and traditions.
- Create a holistic approach to the Resettlement.
RESETTLEMENT FUNDING: HUD AWARDS $48.3 MILLION IN CDBG FUNDING
In January 2016, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the state of Louisiana $48.3 million in Community Development Block Grant funds for the Resettlement of Isle de Jean Charles, as part of the Office of Community Development’s winning application to the National Disaster Resilience Competition.¹With this funding, Louisiana is developing and implementing a structured and voluntary retreat from Isle de Jean Charles that is thoughtful and equitable, while maximizing opportunities for current and past island residents.
RESETTLEMENT OPTIONS: Eligibility Criteria and Benefits
As of June 30, 2021, the application period for Options A, D and B is closed.
IN THE NEW ISLE
AVAILABLE BENEFIT
Eligible households will receive a new home built at the resettlement site.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Current permanent, primary residents on the island.
or
Past permanent, primary residents who lived on the island on Aug. 28, 2012 (Hurricane Isaac), have been displaced since that time and do not currently own an off-island home.
IN LOUISIANA
AVAILABLE BENEFIT
Eligible households will receive funding toward an existing home within Louisiana that meets program standards, is located outside the currently recognized 100-year floodplain and is separate from the resettlement site.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Current permanent, primary residents on the island.
or
Past permanent, primary residents who lived on the island on Aug. 28, 2012 (Hurricane Isaac), have been displaced since that time and do not currently own an off-island home.
in The New Isle
AVAILABLE BENEFIT
Eligible households may purchase a new home at an affordable price constructed by a nonprofit homebuilder at The New Isle. Eligible applicants must be below 80% AMI. This option is made possible by The Louisiana Housing Corporation, which awarded $5 million in HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds to the Jericho Road Episcopal Housing Initiative, a neighborhood-based nonprofit homebuilder, to construct 19 single-family homes for Option B in The New Isle neighborhood. A $1 million construction line of credit from Enterprise Community Partners plus proceeds from the sale of the first 19 homes will be used to build eight additional homes, totaling 27 new single-family homes for Option B homeownership.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Past permanent, primary residents who:
- Were displaced from the island before Aug. 28, 2012 (Hurricane Isaac), and lived in a program eligible parish at the time of the storm.
- Were displaced on or after Aug. 28, 2012, and currently owns an off-island home.
- Lived in a program eligible parish on Aug. 28, 2012, and lived on the island after that time.
In addition, Option B participants:
- Must demonstrate financial ability to purchase an affordable new home built by Jericho Road Episcopal Housing Initiative at The New Isle. The program will support participants in identifying potential financing options.
- Will be prioritized based on when they lived on the island.