Terrebonne Parish, the second largest parish in Louisiana, is located in the South Central portion of the state on the westbank of the Mississippi River. New Orleans is just a short drive to the east and the historically Evangeline country is to the west. To the south of Terrebonne Parish are the oil and gas fields as well as the shrimp, fish and oyster-filled Gulf of Mexico. The state capital, Baton Rouge and the industrialized areas along the Mississippi River are to the north.
For many years, the people of Terrebonne Parish made their living from the earth. However, in 1929, oil and gas brought a period of unsurpassed economic development to this area. From that period until the early 1980's the economy of Terrebonne Parish was very dependent on the oil industry. Several changes have occurred since the decline of that industry. These changes are responsible for having brought us to where we are today.
The people of Terrebonne Parish today still depend in some ways on the oil and gas related industries. In addition, however, the marine or seafood industries as well as the tourism, medical, retail and construction industries are important assets that contribute to the economic base of Terrebonne Parish.
Purpose:
The primary purposes of the consolidated planning process are to 1) promote
increased citizen participation in the development of local priorities and
needs; 2) coordinate certain statutory requirements into local planning
activities in a way that would hopefully simplify the process for requesting
formula grants from HUD; 3) promote the development of an action plan that would
provide basis for assessing performance; and 4) encourage consultation and
collaboration among both public and private agencies and organizations located
within and outside of Terrebonne Parish.
Goals:
Terrebonne Parish has established the following overall goals in the
implementation of its Consolidated Plan: 1) to provide decent housing on an
affordable basis; 2) to provide a suitable living environment; and 3) to expand
economic opportunities.
In the implementation of its Consolidated Plan, Terrebonne Parish will utilize the following funding sources for 1995:
| Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program | $2,121,000 |
| HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program | $ 527,000 |
| Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) Program | $ 82,000 |
Because the Consolidated Plan's coordination and implementation is being handled by the Federal Programs Division of the department of Planning and Economic Development which also houses all housing, community development and social service programs a well organized delivery system is already in place. There appear to be no impediments which would hamper the planning and the funding of projects.
To insure that all related organizations who may apply for the funding allocations listed earlier are consistent with this plan, it will be necessary for these agencies or organizations to secure certifications addressing this issue.
Any amendments to the Plan cannot take place without public input and without at least two public hearings. Amendments must be considered in the public hearing process:
Through the strict provisions established to amend the Plan mentioned above, the public and local organizations will have the assurance that changes in priorities must have the support of the community. In addition, these provisions put a mechanism in place to assist in monitoring the continuation and the funding of the Consolidated Plan.
Finally, the plan will require that a monitoring report delineating the past year's activities and expenditure of funds be compiled to be used as a gauge to measure performance when compared to goals established.
The citizen participation process consisted of three very important steps.
First, Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government solicited input from various
groups and organizations through the use of a written survey. Second, internal
meetings were held with invited guests from various organizations in order to
solicit ideas, plan strategies and consider priorities for future needs. Third,
a series of public hearings were held throughout the parish in which community
input was received. Through this three step process identified above, both
individual citizens and organizations had ample opportunity to participate in
the planning process and in the development of a Consolidated Plan that is very
representative of the needs of our area.
Terrebonne Parish is located 57 miles southwest of New Orleans and is the second largest Parish in Louisiana. It borders the Gulf of Mexico, Lafourche Parish, Assumption and St. Mary Parishes. Despite its status as Louisiana's second largest parish, more than 90 percent of Terrebonne is wetlands or covered by open water (permanently or seasonally), a true coastal wetlands environment. Traditional vocations in Terrebonne Parish are fishing, hunting, trapping, sugarcane farming, boat building, and more recently, oil and gas production and support activities. Like much of Louisiana, the Parish suffered considerable hardship during the 1980's slump in oil and gas business and weathered temporary set-backs with the effects of the devastating hurricane Andrew in August of 1992. However, the Parish has recovered well and the economy has shown significant improvement. Terrebonne Parish now ranks first in the State in natural gas production, third in oil, accounts for 25% of the State's seafood production, and its shipbuilding industry has benefited from the new demand for gambling boats. The Parish's unemployment rate has recently been 1.5 to 2 points lower than the State-wide average.
Terrebonne Parish has a total population of 96,982 persons. Approximately 23% are minority. A total of 8.3% of the total population are 65 years of age or older. The median age of the total population is 29.3 years and the median household income for this area is $21,765 annually. Per capita income for our area is $9,505. Approximately 15.6% of our total population are Social Security benefits recipients, and a total of 24.2% of our population are living at or below the poverty level. Only 59.6% of our total population are high school graduates. Approximately 7.2% of our labor force are unemployed.
The total number of housing units in Terrebonne Parish is 35,416. Of this
total, 73% are owner-occupied units. Terrebonne Parish is experiencing a 1.8%
vacancy rate among homeowner units and a 10.2% vacancy rate among rental units.
Terrebonne Parish has a fairly young housing stock with 62.2% of the total units
having been built since 1960. Only 11.4% of the total units were built prior to
1940. Median gross monthly rents total $347 and the median value of
owner-occupied units total $52,900. Only 14.4% of our housing stock is
estimated to be substandard.
An upswing in the local economy after 1991 coupled with the creation of new jobs has had a positive impact on the Parish home-building industry. There were more new home starts in 1993 and 1994 than there has been since the Houma-Terrebonne Consolidated Government was formed in 1984. During 1993 and 1994, a total of 389 new single family home building permits were issued each year. The average home sale price in 1994 was $71,007 according to the Bayou Board of Realtors. Unfortunately for lower income families, however, there has been no new multifamily building construction during this decade, and new subsidized housing construction has been insignificant. Terrebonne Parish Government has been the largest provider of subsidized housing and substandard housing repair. As a means of meeting the demand for affordable housing, real estate developers and lower-income families still rely on the mobile home subdivision or individual trailers. The downside of these alternatives is the risk of being in such close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the possibilities of hurricanes and gale force winds.
Several other factors have impacted the general housing market. First, there is no zoning outside of the Houma Urban Services District and the Southern Standard Building Code only applies in its entirety in the Urban Services District. Therefor, building code enforcement (except the gas and plumbing code) and zoning have little impact in rural areas outside of the Houma Urban area. Secondly, there are strict FEMA floodplain elevation standards within all of Terrebonne Parish. This factor, coupled with strict sewer installation requirements has substantially increased the cost of new construction and renovation.
There are segments of the population in Terrebonne Parish that are in need of affordable standard housing. A profile of their characteristics and specific needs are presented below. Three quarters (1,618) of all renters and 73% of all owners who have incomes at or below 30% of the median for our area have a housing cost burden in excess of 30% of their income. Of the total 5,421 households at least 58% of them have a housing cost burden in excess of 50% of their income. A total of 54% of all renters and 35% of all owners who have incomes at 51-80% of the median for our area have a housing cost burden in excess of 30% of their income. Of the total 1,979 households at least 81% of them have a housing cost burden in excess of 30% of their income. At this income level, a wide disparity emerges between large family renters having housing problems (79%) and those reporting excess cost burdens (33%). This may be attributable to overcrowding. Small elderly households who have incomes at 81-95% of the median are utilizing in excess of 53% of their income to satisfy housing costs. Large families who have incomes at 81- 95% of the median represent 39% of all renters and 25% of all owners in this category. Approximately 67% of all of these households have a housing cost burden in excess of 30% of their income. In summary these statistics indicate that of the 8,100 total households earning less than 95% of the median income for our area, at least 86% of them have a housing cost burden in excess of 30% of their income. More simply stated, the need for affordable housing is apparent among all household types in Terrebonne Parish.
Housing needs are greater among minorities (American Indians and Blacks) than in the overall population. The correlation between persons living in poverty and housing problems among minority groups in this area are apparent. The percentage of units that are substandard according to the U.S. Census in minority areas of Terrebonne Parish exceeds the Parish average of 14.4% by as much as 7.4%. In addition, the percentage of units that are overcrowded according to the U.S. Census in minority areas of Terrebonne Parish exceeds the Parish average of 8.1% by as much as 14.9%.
The Homeless population in Terrebonne Parish fluctuates between 3,000 and 4,000 annually. Of this total, it is apparent that a small percentage (6.1) or 246 persons are unsheltered.
The HIV/AIDS population in Terrebonne Parish, according to the Louisiana Office of public Health, ranged from 116 to 232 cases earlier this year. This total represents approximately 3.4% of the cases identified in the State. The most pressing need for this group is a long-term care facility with support services.
Public housing in Terrebonne Parish totals 600 units. Both complexes are fully occupied and there is a demand for an additional 100 units to expand the multifamily complex in order to address the 202 families on the "waiting list."
Section 8 Assisted housing assistance is provided to 288 families throughout Terrebonne Parish. However, there are 450 qualified families on the "waiting list" for services. Also, there is an additional need for Section 8 certificates to be allocated for homeless, HIV/AIDS persons, large families, and the very low income families identified earlier.
There are approximately 10,000 lower income households or 32% in Terrebonne Parish that contain lead based paint either on the interior or exterior walls or both. This will continue to pose a potential health problem to the children of these households.
There are two major public policies that could be considered barriers to affordable housing development in Terrebonne Parish: FEMA elevation standards and the installation of sewerage facilities. In addition to the public policies identified above, related items beyond government control have limited development. Those related items are: interest rates; real estate policies that relate to good banking procedures; the cost of purchasing land and building homes that will meet minimum health and safety codes; and the cost of building materials.
Fair housing information, advocacy, and procedures are an essential part of
the Federal Programs Division operations. A "hotline" is available to
the public for both information, resources, and referrals. Newsletters are
published quarterly which includes a summary of the Fair Housing Act and contact
numbers for assistance. This newsletter is distributed to organizations,
service agencies, realtors and property owners involved with our housing
programs. Fair housing language is included in all Parish advertisements and
notices.
As stated earlier in this document, the three goals of providing decent housing on an affordable basis; providing a suitable living environment; and expanding economic opportunities are the basis for the housing and community development strategies identified and proposed by Terrebonne Parish. It is our intent to assist various low income segments of the population to secure resources in both the public and private markets to realize affordable housing opportunities. In addition, it is our intent to increase the parishwide awareness of fair housing laws and policies.
Our strategy for addressing the needs of the homeless is that of a coordinator and catalyst with the ability to utilize non-profit organizations with special skills to provide supportive services as needed.
Coordination efforts have resulted in the establishment of interagency. Agreements with support organizations including START Corporation, Positive Life, the Red Cross, Options for independence, the HAVEN, ADAC, St. Vincent DePaul Society, Salvation Army, TARC, and Catholic Social Services.
Over the next five year period, the Parish intends to assist these organizations with emergency or transitional shelter for 74 units.
Our strategy for reducing lead based paint hazards includes a public education/awareness campaign and the removal of the hazards in public funded or assisted housing units. The Parish will annually budget 30 to 40 percent of its CDBG Entitlement funds for public infrastructure improvements during the next five year period. Sewerage and drainage improvements will remain the most important priorities for non-housing community development activities.
Public service and economic development activities that relate to job creation and educational opportunities will continue to be a priority. These activities are an integral part of our anti-poverty strategy as well because they will increase the opportunities for low income households to become self sufficient. Specific areas to be addressed include:
The financial resources to be provided by Terrebonne Parish over the next five years to address housing and community development activities include the following estimates:
| CDBG | $10,600,000 |
| HOME | 2,635,000 |
| ESG | 410,000 |
| HOPWA | 100,000 |
| Section 8 | 3,500,000 |
| CSBG | 950,000 |
| LIHEAP | 1,140,000 |
| Weatherization | 250,000 |
| Public Housing (Operations) | 4,775,000 |
| Public Housing (Modernization) | 700,000 |
| Total | $25,060,000 |
Collaborative efforts in the planning process have resulted in the development of the following strategic activities: the development of a non-profit CHDO in Terrebonne Parish coupled with participation by local lending institutions to provide and fund a first time homebuyers program; continued coordination with other organizations to provide and fund homeless assistance and shelters while they provide other supportive services needed; continued scheduling of public hearings to provide a mechanism for citizens to be involved in selection of projects and activities; coordinate efforts with agencies outside of the Parish on projects that will have an impact across parish boundaries; and coordination of job creation and business financing projects through the small business revolving loan program.
Earlier in this Plan the Parish had analyzed its ability to deliver housing and community development services with the institutional structure that it already had in place. It was determined that the Parish's unique Federal Programs Division provided somewhat of a "one stop shop" for the delivery of housing and community development program in Terrebonne Parish. Through the coordination and structure of the Federal Program's Division, the Parish is able to coordinate, within our office, the administration of the HOME, CDBG, ESG, and HOPWA programs, as well as Section 8 housing, weatherization assistance, summer feeding, and Community Services Block Grant Programs. This office also handles the procurement of all federal grants for Terrebonne Parish and is under the Parish Department that handles Parish zoning, building permits, and planning. Terrebonne Parish believes that this is a strength in its delivery of services.
Several gaps in this structure, as mentioned in last year's CHAS for Terrebonne Parish, have been overcome this year. Because of the formation of a CDC that includes five private lending institutions, a Parish representative, and a community representative at-large, an important gap in securing special private financing for housing projects has been overcome. The Parish played an important role in helping to form this association that could work closely with public housing programs in providing new concepts in the delivery of affordable housing.
Another important gap was overcome in early 1995 with the development of the
first non-profit CHDO (named the Bayoulands Housing Development Corporation) in
Terrebonne Parish. The development of this organization is important to the
structure of delivery of housing services in that non-profit housing
organizations can provide certain programs that may not be feasible for
profit-oriented groups to provide. Terrebonne Parish foresees a role for CHDOs
in the provision of first time homebuyers programs. A local CHDO may also be
able to provide housing for the homeless in Terrebonne Parish.
Project funds will be utilized in the following categories to address the housing and community development strategies previously identified:
| Category | Dollar Amount | Percent of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Rehabilitation | 575,250 | 21.1% |
| First Time Homebuyers | 316,200 | 11.6% |
| Homeless Assistance | 82,000 | 3.0% |
| Community Sewerage Infrastructure | 610,000 | 22.3% |
| Drainage | 320,000 | 11.7% |
| Recreation | 10,000 | 3% |
| Economic Development | 80,000 | 3% |
| Administration | 476,900 | 17.0% |
| Public Services (includes youth programs, CHDO development, literacy, child care, recreation and public transit) | 259,650 | 9.5% |
| Total | $2,730,000 | 100% |
An identification of the location of these projects can be found on the enclosed maps for your review.
Terrebonne Parish's Federal Programs Division will be the lead agency to implement all of the housing programs in conjunction with support from the local lending institutions and service agencies mentioned earlier.
It is anticipated that 30 households will benefit from the housing rehabilitation activities.
An estimated 22 households will benefit from the first time homebuyers program.
With the establishment of an emergency homeless shelter, approximately 40 households will be assisted.
MAP 2 depicts points of interest and low-moderate income areas.
MAP 3 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, and minority concentration levels.
MAP 4 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, and unemployment levels.
MAP 5 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, unemployment levels, and proposed HUD funded projects.
TABLE (without associated map) provides information about the project(s).
