VIDALIA — Nearly two years after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated southern Louisiana, the opportunity for evacuated residents to apply for rebuilding grant money is coming to an end.

The deadline to apply for the Road Home program is July 31.

Road Home was started in August 2006 to help people who owned and occupied their homes when the hurricanes struck to rebuild their storm-damaged homes or to relocate somewhere else in Louisiana, Communications Director for the Road Home Program Gentry Brann said.

Many people do not realize those impacted by Hurricane Rita can also apply for assistance, Brann said.

“The grants are to help people get back into their homes and to cover to the gap between what insurance gave them and what it actually takes to repair those structures,” Brann said.

The program will give grants up to $150,000, she said.

Brann stressed Road Home funds are grant money.

“(The citizens who receive funds) will not have to pay them back,” she said.

Citizens who relocated out of state because of the storm and want to sell their homes are also eligible to receive some funds, but they will receive a 40 percent deduction from their grant unless they are 65 or older or they are in the military.

“Someone who is 70 years old and has decided to move in with their children out of state and wants to sell their house shouldn’t need to take out a mortgage,” Brann said.

Those who apply will need to schedule an appointment to come into a Road Home center, Brann said.

There are 10 Road Home centers in Louisiana and one in Houston.

Once eligibility has been determined, Road Home inspectors will make evaluations and appraisals on the value of the home before the storm.

“Even if people are unsure, they need to apply,” Brann said.

Applications can be completed online at www.road2la.org or by phone at 1-800-566-4224.