City of Shreveport Emergency Tenant Relocation Assistance Report as of May 24, 2024
The following information is intended to provide an updated report of the continued Emergency Relocation Assistance efforts taken by the City of Shreveport in collaboration with its community sponsors and partners to assist those residents affected by the closures and utility disconnections at the Villa Norte, Jolie and Pines apartment complexes. Please note that this is a supplement to the report previously provided relative to these efforts.
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITY & ASSISTANCE
- In addition to those previously held and to ensure that assistance could be provided to individuals and families outside of working hours, two (2) additional Emergency Relocation Assistance intake sessions were held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at New Birth Baptist Church, and the SPAR Maintenance facility. This initiative was made possible by partnership between the City of Shreveport, Providence House, the Power Coalition, and United Way of NWLA.
- The Providence House has committed to serving as the point of contact for relocation assistance. The agency has reported the following updates:
- A total of 87 people have reached out to Providence House for assistance.
- A total of 53 people have been assisted by Providence House.
- A total of 5 people are experiencing barriers.
- A total of $10, 867.07 has been expended to date on application fees, utilities, and partial rent payments.
- At least 20 individuals and families that we are aware of have relocated independently.
- Hope Connection’s outreach team, along with others, will conduct a final assessment to determine the number of individuals and/or families still on site at each apartment complex next week.
ESTIMATED LOSS OF HOUSING UNITS
- Since starting this process, the projected loss of available units of housing is estimated to be approximately 1,179 units, including Silver Lake (Woodlawn Terrace).
COMMUNITY SPONSORS & SUPPORT
- U-Haul Moving and Storage at 222 Lake Street in Downtown Shreveport has offered to assist those affected by the apartment closures with first month free storage and 20% off all truck rentals and box purchases to all families from these locations. For more information, please contact Marcos, General Manager, (318) 963-8789.
- Sam’s Town has delivered 3 pallets of home items to Providence House for distribution to affected residents.
- The People’s Promise - Youth Division delivered food to both apartment complexes.
- Tag Rome State Farm Agency provided refreshments to the SPAR Maintenance facility for employees and the Jolie Apartment residents.
GOVERNMENT SPONSORS & SUPPORT
- Providence House received a financial donation from the Parish of Caddo.
- The State of Louisiana will donate $30,000 to this initiative and will allow us to reallocate existing funds.
ADDITIONAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
In addition to those identified above, we would also like to recognize and acknowledge other City departments and community partners that played a pivotal role in this emergency relocation initiative including:
- Property Standards for their role in disseminating information to affected residents needing assistance.
- SPAR for providing the use of their maintenance facility and after-hours staff at one of the relocation assistance sites.
- Sportran for providing transportation to assistance sites free of charge to residents of affected apartment complexes.
- The Shreveport Financial Empowerment Center, United Way of Northwest Louisiana and their staff for offering financial literacy education and resources at each assistance site.
How to Quickly Move Through the Process
- Initial Assessment (can be completed by phone or in person) Providence House (318) 221-7887 ext. 143 or ext. 125 assist2024@theprovidencehouse.com
- Have a copy of your current lease available as verification of residency
- The following documents are required to assist with location of new housing:
- Copy of social security cards and birth certificates for all occupants of the unit
- Copy of driver’s license or Louisiana ID for occupants 18 years or older
- Proof of income (4 paycheck stubs) or Award Letter (SSI, Child Support, etc.)
If you have already found a new living unit, please provide:
- Name and address of the complex
- Contact name
- Copy of the lease agreement
- Anticipated move date
If you do not have all of the necessary documents and need support, please share that information upon assessment.
