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Community Support Fund Created For Rental And Utility Assistance During COVID-19

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May 7, 2020

Press Release

Community Support Fund Created for Rental and Utility Assistance During COVID-19

The Finance Authority of New Orleans provides flexible resources to qualified families in Orleans Parish

NEW ORLEANS, La.—The Finance Authority of New Orleans (FANO) has announced the establishment of their Community Support Fund (CSF) in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). These funds will help Orleans Parish residents who qualify with rent or utility assistance in the wake of the pandemic.

Funds will be awarded to potential homebuyers and existing homeowners who qualify as part of the vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19. The CSF is designed to complement FANO’s other community assistance programs and resources. In addition to providing rent and utility assistance, the CSF will also develop a transition plan for each potential homebuyer to ensure they are prepared for a post-COVID-19 environment.

“This is an extremely difficult time for all New Orleanians, especially for those who have lost loved ones, income, or have experienced other hardships that prevent their ability to maintain a stable home,” said Damon Burns, FANO’s President and CEO. “Our mission with this Fund, and with our other programs, is to provide financial products that improve the quality of life in New Orleans, with a focus on affordable housing, job creation and environmental protection,” Burns said.

The CSF primarily focuses on potential homebuyers and homeowners within Orleans Parish who have suffered a substantial loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualifications include, but are not limited to the following: reduction in job compensation, an obligation to be absent from work to care for home-bound school-aged child(ren), or job loss. Funding will be pooled into two categories for disbursement:

Category 1

  • Rental assistance with a maximum benefit amount of $500 per household

Category 2

  • Utility assistance with a maximum benefit amount of $75 per household

To apply for FANO’s CSF assistance, residents should call (504) 524-5533, (504) 354-0904, or email: csf@financeauthority.org. Applicants will be pre-screened to determine basic eligibility and will receive notice of the documentation needed to qualify for the program.

For over 40 years, FANO has been committed to making homeownership possible for families in New Orleans. FANO recently updated its mission in response to the need for more environmentally sustainable housing and infostructure in Orleans Parish. For more information about The Finance Authority of New Orleans, please call (504) 524-5533 or visit financeauthority.org.

BAMM Communications is a public relations agency for The Finance Authority of New Orleans. For more information about BAMM, visit www.BAMMComunications.com

May 7, 2020 Press Release