Community Development Department

The Department of Community Development is the City agency which administers federal, State, and local funds to provide an array of unique community services and social programs. The department advocates and interacts with other city departments, local, state and federal agencies, public and private businesses to serve Kenner residents. Working in partnership with others, the department successfully met many unique needs such as providing capital improvements, educating our youth, housing the homeless.

Specializing in providing help for needy Kenner families, communities and neighborhoods, grants and funding awards are designed to primarily serve neighborhoods and families of very low and low income households. In addition to funding received from the City, the department administers various State and federal grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Jefferson HOME Consortium.

Grants

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The City of Kenner has received CDBG funds since the authorization of the program by Congress in 1974. Federal regulations require that no less than 70% of CDBG funds be used for activities that benefit persons of low and moderate income. Activities funded with CDBG dollars must meet eligibility criteria and comply with at least one of the three program National objectives.

The National objectives are:

  • Benefit low and moderate income persons
  • Aid in the elimination of slum and blight; and
  • Meet an urgent need

The HOME Investment Partnership Program

Through the HOME Investment Partnership program (HOME), HUD allocates funds by formula to eligible states and local governments. The purpose of the program is to expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for low- and very low-income families. The City of Kenner is a member of the Jefferson Parish HOME consortium. HOME funding is awarded annually to the City of Kenner through the Jefferson Parish Community Development Department, the HOME consortium lead agency.

Social Services

After School Program

The After School Homework Assistance and Youth Enrichment After School Program Flyer RotatorProgram is designed to offer children in grades 2nd through 8th with free homework assistance and computer activities, such as learning to use educational websites, and research homework assignments.

The program is a nine month program, which runs concurrently with the school calendar year and is offered at two Kenner sites: the Hispanic Resource Center at 4312 Florida Street - 70065 and the Martin Luther King Community Resource Center at 1042 31st Street - 70065. The operation of the program is from 3 to 6 pm.

For questions call 504-469-2571

To apply visit the Hispanic Resource Center or the Hispanic Resource CenterAfter School Program Rotator Spanish

  • Hispanic Resource Center
    4312 Florida Street
    Kenner, LA 70065
    Phone: 504-469-2571
  • Martin Luther King Resource Center
    1042 31st Street
    Kenner, LA 70065
    Phone: 504-466-0697

Download the after school tutoring program in English

Download the after school tutoring program in Spanish


Assistance to the Homeless

Financial assistance to low income households is made possible by a grant awarded to the City by the Louisiana Housing Corporation - The Emergency Solutions Grant. Eligible Residents can receive utility subsidies, rent payment assistance, counseling, and other supportive services in an effort to prevent homelessness. The applicant must provide proof of Kenner residency to receive rent and utility payment assistance. Homeowners and persons already on Section 8 (or other form of state or federal rental assistance) are not eligible for assistance. For rental assistance, the applicant must have a court ordered eviction notice that is signed by a judge and also have a current lease agreement in the applicant's name. For utility assistance, the applicant must have a disconnect notice and lease agreement in their name. The amount of assistance may vary.

Repair on Wheels Program

Repair on Wheels grant funds are available to eligible elderly homeowners in the City of Kenner through a lottery application process. The program model focuses on the core concept that as people age, their needs change and they may need adaptations to their physical environments to live safely and independently at home. The Repair on Wheels program model focuses on low-cost, high-impact home modifications.

Assistance generally includes minor home repairs including the replacement of door locks, broken windowpanes, leaking plumbing fixtures, home safety inspections, replacing switches, insulation of wall sockets and switches that are attached to an outside wall, the installation of grab bars and handheld showerheads, non-slip strips for tub/shower or stairs, the sealing of doors with sweeps, and the installation of weather stripping on windows, etc.

The Repair on Wheels Program also includes a limited amount of CDBG funding available to effect emergency repairs and repairs which are necessary to correct a code violation, prevent an eligible homeowner's imminent displacement, and to mitigate further damage to a home (i.e., emergency roof or plumbing repair). Due to the nature of emergency and code violation repairs, applicants seeking assistance for such repairs will be screened on a first come-first served basis which operates outside the regular lottery system for applicant selection for the Repair on Wheels Program.

Lead Safe Kenner Program

Visit the Lead Safe Kenner website.

Facility Rental Information