Shotgun houses are just a memory on Clay Street.

Even the surrounding blocks in the north part of Allendale have rid themselves of the three-room homes that had become little more than shacks, havens for drugs and crime.

In their place, simple two- and three-bedroom homes stand. Flowers burst with color from beds surrounded by tidy lawns.

Basketball hoops and lawn furniture give the impression of neighbors who feel safe enough to relax outside.

The neighborhood’s transformation started in 2005 with a plan led by the Fuller Center for Housing. Millard Fuller, founder of the organization and Habitat for Humanity, saw the plight of those who left New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and promised to help build 60 homes here in Shreveport for those who wanted to stay here and for other low-income residents.

Thirty-five are finished. Three more will be added this week.

For the third year, workers have come from across the country for a blitz build.

Different this year is the local chapter, the Fuller Center for Housing of Northwest Louisiana, is responsible for fundraising and construction instead of the national organization.

That means us: individuals, businesses, churches, government. So much progress has been made so far, it would be tragic to stop now.

About 40 volunteers are expected to come in from Minnesota, California and Texas. They’ll certainly make a dent in starting the work, but organizers say they could use more local volunteers as well.

“We invite everyone to come down wether you can swing a hammer or paint a wall,” said board president Ken Alexander. “We have all kinds “” any level of experience in building we can use you.”

We can attest to that. You might endure some good-natured teasing, but the experienced volunteers will teach you anything from painting to securing a roof with hurricane clips.

The project will also need ongoing financial support. Each house costs about $50,000. While there is income from mortgages on the other homes, it doesn’t keep up with the need to keep building.

Government assistance has caused controversy in past years, as the center had tried to obtain adjudicated property “” abundant in the neighborhood. This year Fuller Center leaders say the city has been more than helpful.

We’re glad they saw the promise of the project and the lives it has changed. We just wish something could be done about the system, which still drags on.

None of the families in the homes could have afforded to buy on their own. Under this system, they are required to work a certain amount to earn “sweat equity” and then they have a 20-year, no-interest mortgage to pay.

They have lived up to their end of the bargain.

A drive through those blocks between Allen and Pierre avenues today could be a drive through any new, suburban development. It’s up to us to continue the progress.

© Shreveport-Times – Editorial

Popularity: 2% [?]