Mentally and Physically Disabled May Not Get Grant Money
By: Meagan Fitzgerald
Updated: July 16, 2010
Johnnie Hardy of Monroe has arthritis and other physical problems that make it difficult for her to get around her house. Now, federal grant money could make her life easier.
Hardy said, "In my bathroom, a higher commode and hopefully they can move my door over a little bit so I can bring my wheelchair."
But, the grant money is not a done deal. The police jury applied for the money from the Louisiana office of community development back in March. They found out they got the more than 89 thousand dollars last week. But now they have to vote on whether or not to disperse the funds.
Police Jury President Shane Smiley says that's because the jury wants to make sure the way the money is given out is fair.
Cassandra Cheffiein, a social worker for Supreme Home Health says the jury asked her to select patients to fill out an application.
Cheffien said, "They have guidelines that you go through with the patients so we chose the patients that lived in the parish and qualified under their guidelines."
So what were those guidelines? The police jury says you must have a low or moderate income. You have to be the owner and occupant of your house and you must have a physical disability.
It turns out that Hardy was one of those people who qualified.
Hardy said, "I have arthritis, I have gallbladder surgery, hernia, a cyst,"
Hardy says if she doesn't get the money to help her out, she says it was still worth the try.
Hardy said, "If I don't get this money, all I can say is Supreme Home Health Services did their best."
Hardy said, "In my bathroom, a higher commode and hopefully they can move my door over a little bit so I can bring my wheelchair."
But, the grant money is not a done deal. The police jury applied for the money from the Louisiana office of community development back in March. They found out they got the more than 89 thousand dollars last week. But now they have to vote on whether or not to disperse the funds.
Police Jury President Shane Smiley says that's because the jury wants to make sure the way the money is given out is fair.
Cassandra Cheffiein, a social worker for Supreme Home Health says the jury asked her to select patients to fill out an application.
Cheffien said, "They have guidelines that you go through with the patients so we chose the patients that lived in the parish and qualified under their guidelines."
So what were those guidelines? The police jury says you must have a low or moderate income. You have to be the owner and occupant of your house and you must have a physical disability.
It turns out that Hardy was one of those people who qualified.
Hardy said, "I have arthritis, I have gallbladder surgery, hernia, a cyst,"
Hardy says if she doesn't get the money to help her out, she says it was still worth the try.
Hardy said, "If I don't get this money, all I can say is Supreme Home Health Services did their best."
