Hurricane Ida recovery efforts will likely speed up thanks to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s administrative efforts. HUD leaders announced a package of 27 regulatory waivers to speed up recovery efforts from the historic storm. As a result, Secretary Marcia L. Fudge says it is one of the largest single waivers in the department’s history.

Fudge also says HUD is working to make sure its Hurricane Ida recovery efforts “meet the magnitude of the crisis.”

“With these waivers, we are giving our state and local partners the flexibility they need to more expeditiously recover and rebuild from the storm.”

Marcia L. Fudge – HUD Secretary

The regulatory waivers for Hurricane Ida Recovery cover the following HUD programs:

• The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
• HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program
• Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program
• Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program

Ida Recovery and Community Redevelopment

So, How is HUD speeding up the process for Hurricane Ida recovery and community redevelopment?

• First, HUD is shortening the public comment period on community redevelopment plans from 30 to 7 days
• Second, HUD is waving normal communication requirements due to Ida’s damage to networks.
• Ida also caused major damage to the housing supply in impacted areas. Therefore, HUD is suspending normal rules to allow CDBG grantees to replace affordable housing lost in Hurricane Ida.
• Finally, HUD will allow CDBG grantees to pay for additional support services for individuals and families affected by Hurricane Ida.

There are many ways you can help with Hurricane Ida Recovery. However, the most reliable way is to donate to reputable organizations like The Red Cross and the Salvation Army. You can find a link to donate with either organization here.

Above all, Ida’s destruction is a good reminder to always be prepared and to have a plan. Hurricane season does not technically end until November 30th. You can find helpful resources for making a disaster kit, a disaster plan, as well as HUD’s expectations of property owners during disasters.