Volunteers from as far away as Idaho and Minnesota will join with local residents to build two new houses in Shreveport in conjunction with the Fifth Anniversary Celebration of The Fuller Center for Housing.

The two houses will be built in the 1400 block of Alston Street in the Allendale neighborhood, continuing a transformation that started in the area shortly after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. When these two homes are completed, The Fuller Center will have built 42 new houses in the neighborhood.

“This is exciting. We are the flagship site for The Fuller Center for Housing and we are honoring Millard Fuller and reflecting on how much the Fuller Center has grown locally and internationally since Katrina,” said Lee A. Jeter, Sr., executive director of The Fuller Center for Housing of Northwest Louisiana.

“I would challenge any group or individuals who want to see how partnerships make a difference to come see the changes in this community. This is a great opportunity to give something back to the community and work side by side with other volunteers.”

Volunteers coming to Shreveport for the build include 12 University of Idaho students, 45 University of Minnesota students who will be here March 17 and eight volunteers from Fort Worth, Texas. A volunteer group from Arkansas will come in during the second week of the build.

One of the new homeowners is Yolanda Braziel, a mother of seven who lost her job when the Pierremont Oaks Tennis Club where she worked was damaged by fire. She and her children moved into a family home that had been vacant and in need of many repairs. “This miracle that has been bestowed upon me and my family is emotionally overwhelming,” she said.

Delisa Robinson was working offshore when her family evacuated from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Everything she and her son owned was destroyed. The family relocated to Shreveport, where she and her son have been living in a one-bedroom efficiency apartment. “I know that receiving a Fuller Center home will show my son that there is hope and people are willing to help you if you pray and have faith,” she said.

Persons who would like to volunteer to help are asked to call The Fuller Center office at 318-221-7474 or send an email to info@fullercenternwla.org.

The Fuller Center for Housing, an ecumenical Christian non-profit, was started in 2005 by Habitat for Humanity founder Millard Fuller as a way to continue his vision of a grassroots movement working to eliminate poverty housing worldwide. The Shreveport initiative started in 2005 in partnership with Community Renewal International as a means of helping evacuees from Hurricane Katrina. Visit www.fullercenter.org or www.fullercenternwla.org for more information.

© Daily You Newswire

This tragedy is especially sad for us at The Fuller Center for Housing. The First Baptist Church is one of our stalwart partners in Shreveport. From the earliest days of Building on Higher Ground the church has been a part of the project, sending volunteer work teams and sponsoring houses. Millard preached from their pulpit. As the local covenant partner was being organized Pastor Greg Hunt came forward to offer leadership and the church has been active in encouraging others to join the effort. We are deeply indebted to our friends at First Baptist and we share their grief.

Members of the 1st Baptist team in front of a house they sponsored at the Millard & Linda Fuller Build

Events like this leave you wondering what to do. You wish you could reach out and say, “It will be alright” and wipe away the tears. You wish you could explain it in a way that would comfort the families and friends. But you can’t, so we will do what we can—we’ll pray for the injured and the family of the boy who died. We’ll pray for First Baptist that they have strength and faith as they work through the difficult days ahead. We ask you to pray for them as well.

The relationship between The Fuller Center and the church is a deep and abiding one. From the earliest days of his ministry Millard looked to the church for support and began establishing partnerships that survive to this day. We’re not a church, but a servant to the church, and when the church is hurting we hurt as well. May the good Lord enfold the folks at First Baptist in his comforting arms.

The Act of Donation ceremony took place at the Clay Street office of the center with refreshments following.

Chesapeake spokesman Kevin McCotter made the presentation.

Jeter said that having the truck will reduce “wear and tear” on the personal vehicles of the center’s staff.

He also noted that the truck will allow the center to accept more donations. Additionally, staff will be able to bring materials to work sites from storage bins without making multiple trips.

The FCNWLA wants to acquire two trailers, one closed and one open, Jeter said. The Silverado will enable employees to pull heavy trailer loads.