[FoCHAT] Hopeful news about the RHP to be discussed at tomorrow's CHAT meeting filmed by national ABC

[Melanie Ehrlich]

Dear Concerned Citizens,
   
  We have some hopeful news about the Road Home Program to share at tomorrow's CHAT meeting.
   
  From our just updated website.
   
  Decisions about several critical aspects of policy reform that CHAT has long requested from Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA)and Office of Community Development (OCD) officials were described from a policy perspective and then with real-life examples from applicants themselves during the [last CHAT] meeting: 
    
   Oldest applications should be processed first (many thousands applying last August or September have not even received their award letters).   
   Applicants' grant calculation data should be shared with them in written form and the Road Home Program should use standard procedures for review of homeowner-supplied certified appraisals.   
   Applicants in dispute resolution or appeal should be given written point-by-point responses at the end of the resolution or appeal process, and they should obtain written confirmation of grant awards after telephone notification.  
   The elevation allowance program that has been stalled for 4 months should be restarted ASAP. Given the tight lending market, it is a struggle for thousands of applicants to try to elevate their new or repaired homes without the help of the promised elevation allowances. Elevation comes before rebuilding, and so elevation allowances should not be on hold.   
   An impartial and independent ombudsman should be appointed ASAP to help resolve problems with great delays and frequent mistakes in grant awards 
  An update about some hopeful signs from LRA and OCD about the above requests will be given at the next CHAT meeting and in email communications to our members.
   
  UNO Old Bus. Admin. Rm. 212 on Wed. 6:30 PM.
  Directions to the Business Bldg  are given on the Campus Map for UNO. The URL is http://www.uno.edu/university/maps/maincamp.cfm. The Business Bldg is #7 on the map.
   
   
   
   
  I just found out late this afternoon that national ABC, which is coming to film interviews with several CHAT members, will film the very beginning of our meeting tomorrow. 
   
  Once again, we welcome those of you in the New Orleans metropolitan area. If you can come promptly at 6:30 PM, that would be helpful.
   
  Best wishes,
   
  Melanie Ehrlich
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