Jefferson Parish residents' fight for federal disaster relief is paying off? Here are the latest

KENNER, Louisiana – Nearly two weeks after Hurricane Francine flooded more than 500 buildings in Kenner, large piles of debris from the storm are piling up outside homes in the University City Subdivision.

Kenner Mayor Michael Glaser and Deputy CAO Aimee Vallot walked the block of Tulane Drive, checking on rebuilding efforts and meeting with neighbors.

Mayor Glaser spoke with Robert and Debbie Ohlsen.

We met the Ohlsens for the first time the day after Francine struck.

More than a foot of water rushed into their home when the nearby Duncan Canal overflowed its banks.

“We haven't received any money from any of our insurance companies, so we couldn't even try to get anything out,” Debbie Ohlsen told the mayor.

“That is why we have been fighting for the last few days to be included in this disaster declaration,” Glaser replied.

After being left off the original list, Kenner and the rest of Jefferson Parish are now among the Louisiana parishes eligible for federal disaster assistance.

“FEMA helped us,” said Debbie Ohlsen. “I thanked the mayor for that.”

Because homeowners and renters in JP are now eligible for FEMA assistance, some of them may now qualify for federal flood mitigation grants to elevate their homes. Some homeowners took advantage of the program after previous storms flooded this neighborhood in northwest Kenner.

“If you look around this area, just this block, you see the houses that were built earlier. None of them took on water,” Glaser said.

“That's my next step,” said Robert Ohlsen. “I really want to have my house raised. I'll start right away.”

Residents may also be eligible for low-interest disaster loans, as well as assistance with temporary housing, the cost of basic home repairs, and loss of personal property.

How to apply for federal disaster assistance:

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