By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — This week begins the first of three meetings in which St. John the Baptist Parish residents can learn about the millions of dollars available for homeowner rehabilitation, small rental rehabilitation, home-buyer assistance and elevation assistance.

Parish Communications Director Paige Falgoust said through a grant from the Community Development Block Grant Program, St. John Parish is able to provide funds to eligible applicants to repair and/or elevate homes damaged in 2012 by Hurricane Isaac. The parish will also be allowed to use the money to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants to buy a home in the parish.

Falgoust said three informational meetings are being held to provide details on the programs along with an application and qualification information.

Wednesday’ss meeting will take place at Regala Gymnasium, 194 Regala Park Road in Reserve. A meeting Thursday will be held at St. John Community Center, 2900 U.S. 51 in LaPlace, and a Monday meeting is scheduled at the West Bank Community Center, 173 E. Third St. in Edgard. All meetings will start at 6 p.m.

The assistance programs are primarily for low-to-moderate income households, with the exception of the homebuyer-assistance program, for which households of all income levels may be eligible.

Falgoust said application intake will begin Oct. 27 at the St. John Community Center. She said although not presently available, the parish will establish a way for residents to submit online applications as well.