During a recent government meeting, Karen Walston, a member of the Housing Enhancement Committee, presented key developments regarding the implementation of housing recommendations from a strategic growth study approved last year. The committee, formed to address housing issues in Hammond, has identified the Mixon and Clayton Bridge Builders Foundation Memorial Foundation as a suitable nonprofit partner to oversee the development of affordable housing on vacant and blighted properties.

Walston emphasized the foundation's established track record in affordable homeownership and its capacity to manage housing programs. The committee's proposal includes coordinating with the Louisiana Housing Corporation and the USDA to provide home repair assistance and buyer assistance for lower-income and senior homeowners.

Additionally, the committee recommended the dissolution of the Hammond Tangipahoa Home Mortgage Authority, with plans to allocate its remaining funds to the identified nonprofit for housing initiatives. However, the exact amount of these funds remains uncertain, pending further clarification from the mortgage authority.

Council members expressed support for the committee's efforts, highlighting the importance of ensuring that any transferred funds are used appropriately and in compliance with legal requirements. The discussions underscored a commitment to addressing housing challenges in the community while navigating the complexities of fund management and authority dissolution.