LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – The ongoing federal government shutdown is creating ripple effects across multiple agencies. However, here in Lake Charles, housing officials say local operations remain stable for now.
Greg Pete, Lake Charles Housing Authority Executive Director, says his agency is fully funded through the end of December, giving residents and staff some short-term certainty.
“The funding has been released through December of this year,” Pete said. “So at this point, we have not been affected by the government shutdown. As long as the funding continues to be released, we should be okay. We’re not sure what’s going to happen in January, but we’re holding our breath, expecting to get funded if the shutdown lasts that long.”
Pete says the Housing Authority is staying in close contact with national organizations like NAHRO, the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, to prepare for any potential funding delays or changes.
“We’re working with professional organizations like NAHRO to understand some of the creative measures we can take to make sure we still accommodate our constituents,” Pete said. “The last thing we want to do is have a situation where we have people that cannot be housed.”
For now, Pete says all programs, staff, and housing voucher services are operating as usual, with no interruptions for residents or landlords.
“It means business as usual,” he said. “We’ll continue to operate and provide the services that we’ve always provided.”
The Housing Authority is also moving forward with a $40 million revitalization project known as the Mid-City Choice Neighborhood. Pete says that project remains fully funded and on schedule. The first phase of the development, Mid City Lofts, is currently leasing up.
While the future of federal funding remains uncertain, Pete says the mission in Lake Charles remains the same: keeping roofs over families’ heads and services running for as long as possible.
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