LAKE CHARLES, LA (August 26, 2025) – Community leaders, housing advocates, and development partners gathered today for a hard-hat tour of Benoit Townhomes, a new 78-unit affordable housing community currently under construction on Big Lake Road in Lake Charles.
The tour marked a major milestone in the city’s long-term recovery, five years after Hurricanes Laura and Delta devastated the region. Benoit Townhomes is being built with enhanced resiliency standards to help ensure long-term housing stability and future storm protection for working families.
“Five years ago, this community experienced devastating loss,” said State Senator Mark Abraham. “Today, we are witnessing progress, not just in construction, but in rebuilding lives, restoring hope, and strengthening the future of Lake Charles. Benoit Townhomes reflects what’s possible when public and private partners come together to invest in housing, health, and the long-term well-being of our residents.”
According to the 2024 America’s Health Rankings report, 49.2% of renter households in Louisiana are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing. The state ranks 38th in the nation in housing cost burden, underscoring the urgency of building affordable, stable housing solutions that support both health and economic security.
“This development reflects our commitment to helping families rebuild and thrive,” said Tom Crumley, Real Estate Development Director, Renaissance Neighborhood Development Corporation (RNDC), the organization leading the project. “By combining quality design, on-site services, and strong partnerships, we’re creating a community that will last for generations.”
Developed by RNDC, a collaboration between Volunteers of America National Services and Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana, and partnering with Volunteers of America South Central Louisiana, the $25.5 million development is funded through a mix of public and private sources. This includes $13.3 million in U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) CDBG disaster recovery funding, support from state and local housing agencies, and a $7.9 million equity investment from UnitedHealth Group, administered through a partnership with the National Affordable Housing Trust (NAHT). Additional project partners include the Louisiana Housing Corporation, Lument, and Calcasieu Parish.
“At UnitedHealth Group, we know housing is foundational to health,” said Karl Lirette, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Louisiana, part of UnitedHealth Group, which has invested $22 million for affordable housing developments in the state, supporting 392 homes. “Our investment in Benoit Townhomes reflects our long-standing commitment to improving health outcomes and supporting stronger, more resilient communities across Louisiana.”
“NAHT is proud to be part of this partnership,” said Paul Cummings, Senior Vice President at NAHT. “Developments like Benoit Townhomes don’t just create affordable housing, they build stronger communities by investing in the people who live in them.”
Benoit Townhomes will include 78 rental units in 13 two-story residential buildings, along with a community clubhouse and leasing office located at the primary entrance on Big Lake Road. Of those, 64 of the homes will be family-sized two- and three-bedroom units, with the balance one-bedroom apartments. Fourteen units will be rent-assisted with Project-Based Section 8 Vouchers. Residents will benefit from on-site services provided by Volunteers of America South Central Louisiana.
The property will also offer a range of amenities to support quality of life and resident well-being, including a computer room, fitness center, picnic and green spaces, gated access, secure off-street parking, and a playground. Each unit will feature energy-efficient appliances, ceiling fans, washers and dryers, and central air conditioning.
The new community is being constructed to Fortified Gold and Enterprise Green Communities 2020 standards, including flood-proofing, elevated design, back-up power, and use of durable, storm-resistant materials. The first residents are expected to move in later this fall, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for January 2026. For rental and general property information, visit www.benoittownhomes.com.
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About Renaissance Neighborhood Development Corporation (RNDC): RNDC is a subsidiary of Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana, formed after Hurricane Katrina to support recovery and develop affordable housing. To date, RNDC has completed more than 1,500 units serving families and individuals across Louisiana. Learn more: www.rndcnola.org.
Media Contacts:
Kevin Herglotz
HPA Strategic Communications
415-963-2601, kevin@hpastrategies.com
Tom Crumley
RNDC
504-914-7582
tcrumley@voasela.org
Read the related article at https://americanpress.com/2025/08/26/housing-community-another-step-in-rebuilding-after-laura/