Fair Grounds launches program to aid seniors

Fair Grounds Race Course has

launched a program, in conjunction with the New Orleans Council on Aging,

Lowe's and the City of New Orleans, to assist local senior citizens in

rebuilding their homes.

The program is named HONOR -- Helping Older New Orleanians Rebuild -- and is

funded exclusively by the donations of Churchill Downs Inc. employees

following Hurricane Katrina.

"We are excited about the unveiling of our new program with the city, the

Council on Aging and Lowe's," Fair Grounds President Randall Soth said. "While

we have been fortunate to get Fair Grounds and many of our off-track betting

locations re-opened following Hurricane Katrina, many of our neighbors,

especially the senior citizens who have been a part of our community for

generations, have not been able to complete their return home."

To be eligible for the HONOR program, an applicant must have been born on or

before August 29, 1945; must be a homeowner in Orleans Parish; must have gutted

and re-wired their home and have running water and copies of appropriate work

permits, and if they are not already in the home, must sign a covenant that they

plan to return.

The first priorities for applicants will be those with the greatest needs and

those living nearest Fair Grounds.

To apply for the HONOR program, visit the Council on Aging office at 2475

Canal St. or call (504) 821-4121 for more information.

In addition to the launch of the HONOR program, Fair Grounds has made a

donation to the Council on Aging's National Family Caregiver Support Program,

which provides supportive services to family caregivers, including adult day

health care, in-home respite and personal care assistance.