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LAPLACE — More than four months have passed since Hurricane Ida struck Southeast Louisiana, but hurricane recovery is far from over in St. John the Baptist Parish.

Many families remain displaced from their homes, and others are still waiting for funds to begin repairs. St. John the Baptist Parish is continuing to work with FEMA on temporary housing, which includes identifying a commercial site for individuals in need to place trailers.

As of January 11, 92 FEMA trailers had been licensed in St. John the Baptist Parish. Another 370 individuals have been approved for housing through FEMA.

Residents with questions regarding assistance can call the FEMA hotline at 1-800-621-3362 between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily.

Also ongoing is the state’s sheltering program, which has to date licensed 429 temporary housing units in St. John Parish. Residents can still apply for the state program at idashelteringla.com or by calling 844-268-0301.

St. John the Baptist Parish is continuing to offer no-cost disaster legal assistance by appointment. Please call 225-448-0080 ext. 336 to schedule.

“The Disaster Legal Assistance can be used for something as simple as notarizing a document related to Hurricane Ida,” said Parish President Jaclyn Hotard.

During the January 11 Parish Council meeting in LaPlace, Hotard shared cost-free opportunities that are still available to residents needing assistance with their homes.

The Long-Term Recovery Group has been activated and can be reached by phone at 985-703-8411. The Long-Term Recovery Group connects residents to helpful resources through partnerships with various relief organizations.

Relief organization Eight Days of Hope will be returning in April to assist residents with rebuilding efforts.

“Please call now to get put on the list. If you need any assistance with a tree or gutting of your home, those volunteers will come in and be able to assist residents who may not have insurance or may be under insured,” Hotard said.

Assistance is also available to residents who have been impacted financially as a result of Hurricane Ida.
“If you have a disconnect notice or a current past due notice on your Entergy bill, you may qualify for crisis assistance through our Department of Health and Human Services,” Hotard said.

Health and Human Services can be reached at 985-536-4955.