Louisiana veterans provided financial assistance in aftermath of Hurricane Francine

Louisiana veterans who were recently affected by Hurricane Francine can apply for financial assistance through the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs' Military Family Assistance Fund.

The Military Family Assistance Fund (MFA) provides financial assistance to eligible veterans and members of the Louisiana National Guard or Reserves in an amount up to $10,000 for a need-based claim in a 12-month period.

Hurricane Francine made landfall in Louisiana on Sept. 11 as a Category 2 hurricane and, at its peak, left 450,000 people without power, based on numbers reported by the Public Service Commission. At one point, around 500 people were in emergency shelters, according to the Associated Press.

“As Louisianians, we live with an annual anticipation of hurricane season, and Hurricane Francine will join the long list of storms that have impacted our residents,” Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley said. “At LDVA, we stand ready to assist eligible veterans affected by Francine through our Military Family Assistance Fund to help them recover from the storm.”

Since 2005, more than $1.8 million have been awarded to veterans and Louisiana Army National Guard (LANG) or Reserve service members through the MFA Fund.

Any veteran of the Armed Forces who received a discharge of honorable or under honorable conditions, or a current member of LANG or Reserves in good standing with their unit who are current Louisiana residents are eligible to receive assistance.

The MFA Fund traditionally pays for housing, utilities, some medical services and other essential expenses that are creating a financial hardship for the veteran, LANG or Reserves service member. However, the fund can cover other storm-related expenses, too.

The assistance fund is entirely funded by private donations from individuals, corporations and charities.

A veteran or current member of LANG or Reserves can submit an online application here .

One can also print and complete a fillable PDF application to be submitted via email to holly.talley@la.gov , fax at 225.219.5590, or mail to;

Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, ATTN: MFA Administrator, PO Box 94095, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9095.

Applicants may also request an application be sent to them by mail by calling 225.219.3700 or by emailing the address listed above.