UPDATE:
BATON ROUGE — Ms. Julia Thomas, is celebrating today after a long battle over her home. A longtime Baton Rouge resident, Thomas was faced the threat of losing her home after Hurricane Ida caused severe damage in 2021. The storm toppled a massive tree onto her 2nd Avenue home, where she had lived for over 50 years. Since 1969, Thomas had built a life in the house, raising three children, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Displaced for more than a year, Thomas was given just days to raise the money needed to save her home. Thanks to the generosity of her community, she succeeded. Now, we’re happy to share that demolition of her storm-damaged home has begun, and rebuilding is underway. The new home is expected to be completed by the summer.
Thomas’s daughter, Wanda Thomas, expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed. “We are so thankful to all who helped us through this challenging time. We’re excited to move back home this summer,” she said.
The Thomas family looks forward to creating new memories in a home that has been at the heart of their family for decades.
BATON ROUGE — When Hurricane Ida slammed into Louisiana in 2021 with 150 mph winds, the destruction was widespread. It marked the third time a Category 4 hurricane made landfall in the state and the second time such a storm hit on August 29—the same date Hurricane Katrina struck. Many argue that these two storms had the greatest impact on Louisiana in modern history.
Ida’s relentless assault on South Louisiana was felt from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. Communities in the Capital City suffered significant damage. As of August 2024, more than 800 people across southeast Louisiana remain displaced from their homes.
One of those affected is Ms. Julia Thomas.
“Everything was pulled out from under us”
Ida toppled a massive tree onto Thomas’ Baton Rouge home, where she had lived for more than 50 years. Since 1969, Thomas had raised three children, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren in her 2nd Avenue residence.
But her house hasn’t been her home since the 2021 storm.
“It’s just been a lot since then,” said Thomas’ daughter, Wanda. “I was in a car wreck and couldn’t walk for two months. My fiancé passed away. My mom was there to help me, but I’ve watched her cry every day about the house she’s lived in since I was four years old. It’s been really hard.”
Initially, FEMA provided $30,000 to help Thomas with repairs, which covered the cost of removing the tree. According to Wanda, that cost her mother $15,000. But things quickly became complicated.
“Then we got a call from FEMA the next month saying they had overpaid us,” Wanda said.
Since removing the tree only cost Thomas half of the money FEMA provided, she was required to return the remaining funds to the federal agency.
“We had to send the rest of the money back,” Wanda explained. “It felt like we were finally moving forward, but suddenly, everything was pulled out from under us.”
Donate now: Help Ms. Thomas via GoFundMe
“We’ve tried everything”
The family eventually got in touch with Restore Louisiana, an organization that provides federal grant assistance to homeowners impacted by Ida. In 2023, the organization approved a grant for Thomas—but it came with conditions.
To receive federal aid for repairing her home, Thomas needed to come up with $10,565.12—an amount the organization referred to as the homeowner’s responsibility.
“My mother is 78 years old. She doesn’t just have that kind of money laying around,” Wanda said. “She’s a faithful member of her church, still drives, and makes food deliveries to older people from the food bank.”
Despite not living in her home, Thomas has continued paying $500 per month on her house note, along with additional monthly storage fees for her belongings. Meanwhile, her family has been working to raise over $10,000 needed to tear down the hurricane-damaged house and rebuild.
“We’ve tried everything,” Wanda explained. “Finally, a local bank generously donated $5,000, but we’re still $4,500 short.” Despite their efforts, time is running out. Thomas has until 5 p.m. on November 1 to raise the money or lose the grant altogether.
“If we don’t raise that amount, my mother will lose the grant and won’t be eligible for any other assistance,” Wanda said.
‘She deserves the chance to go home’
With the deadline fast approaching, the community is racing against the clock to save the home. A dinner fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday, October 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Sunshine Place, 8330 Scenic Highway, and donations are also being accepted through a GoFundMe campaign.
Former Baton Rouge NAACP President Eugene Collins has been vocal about getting Thomas the help she needs. In a video posted on Instagram, Collins urged people to assist and donate, highlighting Thomas’ situation to ensure she can keep her home.
“I want to see us do everything we can to make sure Ms. Thomas can return to her home,” Collins said. “When our elders call, it’s our duty to pause and lend a hand however we can. The request to amplify this cause was an honor, and meeting Ms. Thomas was truly a wonderful experience. She is an incredible woman who deserves the chance to go home.”
Thomas and her family remain hopeful that the spirit of community in South Louisiana will help save her home.
“Without this home, we’ll lose part of our family’s legacy,” Wanda added. “My mother has lived here since 1969, and we can’t imagine life without it. This house is more than just a structure—it’s part of who we are.”
Donate now: Help Ms. Thomas via GoFundMe
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