The state’s roof grant program launched its second application period Monday for Louisiana homeowners to receive grants of up to $10,000 to replace or retrofit their roofs to new hurricane-proof standards.

The Louisiana Fortify Homes Program application period opened at noon with slots for 1,000 homeowners insured through Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the state’s insurer of last resort for those who cannot find coverage on the private market.

The Louisiana Department of Insurance, which is overseeing the grant program, has set aside the first half of a $30 million allocation for a total of 1,500 Louisiana Citizens policyholders, the only ones eligible to apply during the first two application rounds. The subsequent application periods, which haven’t yet been scheduled, will have an additional 1,500 slots open to all homeowners.

Monday’s application period was still open as of 12:45 p.m., which was much longer than the first round on Oct. 2 that saw a mad dash of applicants fill all 500 available slots within just a few minutes. However, it may not be from a lack of interest. New Orleans homeowner Conrad Chura said the online application portal continuously said “The service is unavailable” for more than an hour after it launched at noon.

The Louisiana Fortify Homes Program offers grants for better fasteners and seals that allow roofs to withstand winds of up to 150 mph and keep water from leaking through to the wood below the shingles.

To qualify, homeowners have to get a state-approved evaluator to inspect their home and then obtain bids from at least three insurance department-approved contractors who can do the work. The insurance department website lists all of their approved evaluators and approved contractors.

Louisiana has been in the midst of an insurance crisis after a string of costly disasters since 2020 bankrupted several insurance companies and prompted others to stop writing new policies in the state. Other insurers have hiked premiums so high that people have been forced out of their homes.

During the 2023 legislative session, state lawmakers allocated $30 million for Louisiana Fortify Homes Program grants. At up to $10,000 per recipient, the program should “fortify” at least 3,000 homes statewide. Unlike loans, grants are monetary gifts that recipients do not have to pay back.