Carol Whip updates council on aging programs and funding challenges in New Iberia

The New Iberia City Council meeting on July 2, 2025, highlighted significant developments in community support for seniors and affordable housing initiatives.

Carol Whip, representing the Council on Aging, provided an update on the organization's ongoing efforts to serve the senior population in Iberia Parish. Established in 1977, the Council on Aging has faced persistent underfunding, necessitating various fundraising activities. However, recent legislative changes have brought some relief. House Bill 126, which passed earlier this year, will provide an additional $50,000 annually to smaller councils, including New Iberia's, starting in August. This funding will enhance services such as home-delivered meals, which currently serve over 191 seniors daily, despite a waiting list of 302 individuals needing assistance.

Whip emphasized the importance of these services, noting that the Meals on Wheels program alone costs approximately $157,000 annually to operate. The Council on Aging is committed to ensuring that no senior is turned away due to financial constraints, providing meals regardless of a recipient's ability to pay. The organization also offers additional support services, including homemaker assistance and emergency food pantries.

In a parallel discussion, Anat Zahnemann addressed the council regarding the need for more affordable housing in New Iberia. Zahnemann, along with fellow advocates, has been working to promote residential development, particularly in the West End neighborhood. They are collaborating with the Louisiana Housing Lab, a nonprofit focused on community housing development, to create smaller, community-oriented housing projects. This initiative aims to enhance economic development and improve living conditions in the area.

The council's discussions underscored a commitment to addressing critical community needs, from supporting the elderly to expanding affordable housing options. As these initiatives progress, they promise to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all residents of New Iberia.