EBR Housing Authority to distribute COVID-19 care packages

This information is provided by the East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - The East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority (EBRPHA) is spearheading proactive, COVID-19 response measures for families and will be giving out care packages to its housing communities over the next few weeks.

Care packages will be given out to residents starting on Tuesday, July 21, at 2 p.m. at Sharlo Terrace Apartment’s Community Center building at 4919 Alvin Dark Avenue.

According to J. Wesley Daniels, EBRPHA Chief Executive Officer, “This is more than just a ‘health and wellness’ measure. It is a way to let our families know that we care about them by equipping them with tools to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus.”

“I am extremely proud of our team’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We were able to continue to serve our families with minimal disruption. Unfortunately, COVID-19 exposed the vulnerabilities of our EBRPHA families. We serve the working poor, disabled and elderly. We recognize that many of our families are frontline workers with jobs in grocery stores, restaurants, hospitals, nursing facilities, parcel delivery or other positions vital to citizens requiring essential services. Other residents were furloughed or lost jobs, including some with seasonal jobs or in the hospitality industry,” he added.

“We want the families to know that EBRPHA cares about them. We have created ‘CARE Packages’ with vital items, including: ‘no touch’ infrared thermometers, disposable masks, reusable cloth masks, hand sanitizer, hand-pumped soap, and more,” he added. “Most importantly, over the coming weeks, we are making this outreach an opportunity to communicate our concern and to provide families with these important prevention items.” In addition to the preventative items, the CARE Packages include financial literacy information and physical and mental health guides.

The CARE Packages are supported by funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) via the CARES Act to “prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus.”

HUD has encouraged activities that support and maintain the health, safety and educational needs of families.

EBRPHA is working in concert with the Urban League, who will be present at the CARE Package distribution sites to encourage participation in the Census 2020 effort and voter registration.

“We are making every effort to assist our residents during this crisis, and we will remain diligent to the effort,” he added. “EBRPHA was well-positioned to address these challenges. Last year, EBRPHA created “ACCESS”.

ACCESS is the comprehensive transformation strategy that leverages quality housing opportunities to create better access, resources and outcomes for: Education, Economic Opportunities, Health & Wellness.

“This is a continuation of our targeted efforts to put families in the best position to succeed in life. Last week, we delivered 50 beds for our “Beds for Kids” initiative to ensure that our children can sleep comfortably as night, get eight hours of sleep and be ready to learn when they get to school”. Over the next few months, EBRPHA will continue to roll out initiatives as solutions to address systemic and generational challenges.

EBRPHA serves more than 12,992 individuals in 913 units in 13 communities and over 4,400 Housing Choice Vouchers.

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