USDA Rural Development Business and Cooperative Programs Director Jared Hicks today attended the grand opening ceremony for the new LaCour House Assisted Living Community in Pointe Coupee.
“This event today is a result of numerous meetings with Gerard LaCour on how Rural Development programs can assist the elderly population with a place to call home and daily living activities. Rural Development is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of living in rural towns and cities. Through our programs and services, we are bringing reliable resources like water, housing, essential community facilities, and economic development to make our rural communities attractive and sustainable,” said Hicks.
LaCour House was financed through USDA’s Rural Development Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan program which provides financial backing for rural businesses. The $9.75 million loan by Cottonport Bank is creating and retaining jobs and will be a valuable asset for the elderly population for Point Coupee Parish.
The 59,560-square-foot facility has 60 studio units with 14 apartments dedicated to a secure memory care wing and an adult day care program for health, social, and related services. The apartments have kitchenettes, large closets, and bathrooms with roll-in-showers. Community features include an enclosed courtyard, dining rooms, laundry services, beauty and barber shop, computer center, wellness center, café, game room, sun rooms and covered porches.
USDA Rural Development invests in jobs, infrastructure, community development, health, education, homeownership, and affordable rental housing to improve the economic health of rural communities. In Fiscal Year 2014, the agency invested more than $995 million in rural Louisiana through affordable loans, loan guarantees, and grants.
President Obama's historic investments in rural America have made our rural communities stronger. Under his leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.