• West Feliciana Habitat for Humanity Striving for their Goal

West Feliciana Habitat for Humanity Striving for their Goal

Community volunteers are one step closer to their goal of building the first Habitat for Humanity home in West Feliciana parish following the donation of land for the project last month. Together with Mr. Vernon Wright, the children of Billy and Annette Wilcox donated a lot in Turner Subdivision in their memory. Mary Joy Lawrence said she and her siblings, Billie Ann Brian, Liz Wilcox, and Tommy Wilcox, felt that making the donation was a special way to honor their parents who were the founders of Audubon Company Real Estate.

In addition to land, the project requires money in order to become reality. Although each Habitat homeowner repays the cost of their home with a 20 year mortgage, this mortgage covers only the direct cost of the home and carries no interest payments. As Lynn Clark, Development Director for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge explains, it is necessary to raise funds in advance of construction because the Habitat organization must carry the 20 year mortgage while charging no interest and making no profit on the loan. The funds are also used to cover the cost of overhead items which are not included in the cost of the home, such as insurance coverage for volunteers, professional construction management, and tools and equipment for the volunteers.

The West Feliciana group has received $20,000 in pledges so far. However, another $35,000 must be raised. A team of local community volunteers has launched a solicitation campaign to meet this challenge. They will be contacting local businesses, churches, and individuals in the coming weeks to ask for support. In addition to financial support, the group is seeking donations of licensed construction services such as foundation work, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC; building materials; food and refreshments for construction volunteers; and additional volunteer support.

There are also opportunities for local businesses and individuals to become sponsors of the upcoming “Hope–Dignity–Pride” Golf Classic, scheduled for March 19, 2007 at The Bluffs Country Club and Resort. Sponsorships for the tournament range from $200 to $2,000, with proceeds dedicated to the construction of the first Habitat for Humanity home in West Feliciana Parish.

Businesses and individuals interested in supporting the West Feliciana Habitat for Humanity initiative or the Hope-Dignity-Pride Golf Classic are encouraged to contact George Newton, Fundraising co-chairman at 634-2868 or [ email ], or Tom Crouse, Steering Committee chairman at 634-3319 or [ email ].

More About the West Feliciana Habitat for Humanity Initiative:
- Local initiative begun in February 2006
- Working with the guidance of HFH of Greater Baton Rouge
- Steering committee includes local ministers, business, and civic leaders
- Fundraising goal of $55,000 by March, 2007
- Over $20,000 raised or pledged as of September, 2006
- Home site donated and approved in December, 2006
- Construction anticipated to begin in spring, 2008