Grants Offer Critical Relief Amidst Unprecedented Insurance Premium Increases
New Orleans, Louisiana – In the wake of Hurricane Ida’s aftermath and the subsequent surge in insurance premiums affecting homeowners in the Greater New Orleans area, New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity (NOAHH) has initiated a vital program to provide grants to Habitat homeowners to offset a portion of insurance premiums. This timely aid has been made possible through a collaborative partnership with United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA).
Following the dual impacts of Hurricane Ida and the pandemic, numerous families in our community have been confronted with an unforeseen challenge – an alarming escalation in insurance premiums. Many Habitat homeowners, already facing economic hurdles, struggled to afford these increased insurance costs.
“We receive frantic calls from our homebuyers every week, sharing their insurance premiums have escalated – in many cases from $1,200 to $6,500 yearly,” Marguerite Oestreicher, Executive Director of New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, emphasized. “It’s impossible to overstate how catastrophic this is for those with modest incomes.”
“ALICE families across Southeast Louisiana face difficult decisions every day, like whether to let their insurance coverage lapse or cover their regular grocery bill, and that’s why United Way is committed to funding partnerships like this to ensure no families have to leave their homes behind,” stated Michael Williamson, United Way of Southeast Louisiana President and CEO. “They bridge the gap between struggle and stability, empowering families to build a brighter future despite the challenges they face.”
This initiative aligns with the fundamental mission of New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity—to foster strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. The grants extended through this partnership serve as a lifeline for Habitat homeowners striving to maintain their homes and stability amidst the economic strains imposed by escalating insurance premiums.
For further information about the grant program or to support the mission of New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, please visit www.habitat-nola.org.
About New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity
New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Our mission is to responsibly build communities where families can thrive, in homes they can afford. Founded in 1983, NOAHH has provided a path to homeownership for over 670 families. Habitat homebuyers pay a zero-interest mortgage and work 250 volunteer hours of sweat equity in lieu of a down payment. NOAHH has hosted more than 200,000 volunteers who have built homes, cleared blighted properties, and made urgently needed repairs for more than 450 elderly or disabled property owners in need through the A Brush with Kindness program. The affiliate also has a ReStore location on Elysian Fields in New Orleans. www.habitat-nola.org
About United Way of Southeast Louisiana
For nearly 100 years, United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) has been a leader and trusted partner in improving lives and making a lasting difference. UWSELA fights to eradicate poverty by preparing people for quality jobs, growing incomes and affording better health and education opportunities throughout Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes. Its bold vision of equitable communities – with health, education and financial stability for all – is informed by the Blueprint, which guides all strategic investments in programs, initiatives, collaborations, volunteerism and advocacy to tackle poverty. For more information, please visit UnitedWaySELA.org. Find us on social: @UnitedWaySELA.