Boulet Administration Outlines Plan to Address Himbola Manor Conditions
BOULET ADMINISTRATION OUTLINES PATH FORWARD FOR HIMBOLA MANOR APARTMENTS
LCG working with Lafayette Housing Authority and HUD to address unsafe conditions, protect residents, and support affected families
Lafayette, LA – The Boulet Administration has outlined Lafayette Consolidated Government’s (LCG) path forward for addressing critical conditions at Himbola Manor Apartments, balancing the need to protect the health and safety of residents, address unsafe and uninhabitable conditions, minimize displacement of families, and hold property ownership accountable.
The Administration’s approach reflects a broader commitment to strengthening housing conditions across Lafayette and ensuring Lafayette continues to be a safe place where families can live, grow, and thrive.
“Our focus is on the people and families who call Lafayette home and making sure we are addressing the conditions at Himbola Manor responsibly,” said Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet. “It is a tough situation to have families living through these deplorable conditions, and we are taking it very seriously. We’re working closely with HUD and leaning on key partners to move people into safer housing. It is not fair to this community when property owners disregard the people their properties affect. We want to work with owners first to fix these issues, but when that doesn’t happen, we’re going to use the tools at our disposal and make changes necessary for the health and safety of our families.”
Addressing Critical Conditions
LCG has pursued enforcement at Himbola Manor over an extended period as property maintenance violations have remained unresolved. Those efforts have included citations, inspections, fines and liens, as well as continued coordination with the property owner and federal housing officials.
Those concerns were further underscored by an August 3 apartment fire at Himbola Manor, where Lafayette firefighters responded to protect residents and property and save lives. During the response, Lafayette Fire Department Captain Sean Lirette and Firefighters Seth Judice and Cole Champagne carried out life-saving actions that resulted in the rescue of two children from the apartment fire. Their actions reflect the extraordinary commitment of Lafayette’s first responders and also reinforce the importance of ensuring families are living in safe conditions.
When conditions reach a point where a structure cannot safely remain occupied, LCG has a responsibility to take appropriate action through its established property code and condemnation processes. At the same time, the Administration recognizes that those actions directly affect the lives of the people and families living there.
The goal is not simply to condemn buildings. The goal is to address unsafe conditions while creating the safest and most responsible path forward for the residents affected.
Protecting Residents While Holding Ownership Accountable
As enforcement efforts continue, LCG is working hand in hand with the Lafayette Housing Authority and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help protect affected residents and provide support for families who may need to relocate.
For eligible tenants receiving housing assistance, that coordination includes protecting their housing voucher assistance so residents have options to relocate to another qualifying property rather than lose that support because of conditions at Himbola Manor.
HUD is also coordinating housing relocation assistance, including assigning relocation support to help affected residents navigate the process and identify available housing options. LCG and the Lafayette Housing Authority will continue working closely with HUD to help ensure residents understand the resources available to them and have support as decisions regarding individual buildings and units move forward.
The intent is to provide residents with options, information and direct assistance while minimizing disruption to families wherever possible.
Responsibility for maintaining safe and habitable conditions ultimately rests with property ownership. LCG will continue using the enforcement tools available to address unresolved violations and require accountability for conditions that threaten public health and safety.
Building a Stronger Lafayette
The work at Himbola Manor is part of the Boulet Administration’s broader focus on housing in Lafayette, including efforts to strengthen existing neighborhoods, improve housing conditions, expand housing opportunities, and address deteriorated and blighted properties.
Safe and stable housing is fundamental to Lafayette’s continued growth. The Administration remains committed to working with residents, housing partners, property owners, and other stakeholders to address immediate challenges while advancing long-term solutions that help make Lafayette a safe place for families to live, grow, and thrive.
LCG will continue evaluating conditions at Himbola Manor and working closely with the Lafayette Housing Authority and HUD to ensure affected residents receive timely information and support as the process moves forward.
The Boulet Administration and Lafayette City Council also intend to host a town hall to engage directly with Himbola Manor residents, provide updates on the path forward, answer questions and connect affected families with available resources and assistance. Additional information regarding the town hall, including the date, time and location, will be announced as details are finalized.
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