A nonprofit group that built 101 homes in Gentilly after Hurricane Katrina is launching another drive. Project Home Again will build another 100 energy-efficient houses.
The group is headed by Leonard Riggio, founder and chairman of Barnes & Noble, Inc., and his wife, Louise. Plans announced with Mayor Mitch Landrieu call for two-, three- and four-bedroom homes for first-time homebuyers.
To qualify, applicants must make less than $61,875 a year for a family of four. That’s less than 120 percent of the area's median income. The city is helping with its Soft Seconds Mortgage Program, which provides forgivable loans to low- and moderate-income families.
Riggio says residents will be given furnishings of their choosing to help get a fresh start. Applications are being accepted through the Project Home Again website.
