The executive director of FCNWLA says he “learned a lot” during the Legacy Build and is ready to build two or three houses in March. To build three he needs $210,000.

He is also beginning to lay the foundation for building in other areas of town. He said, “There are people who need homes; there is property available.”

Jeter also wants organizations in those communities to step up and help through donations and volunteering.

In addition to building new houses, Jeter wants to expand the Greater Blessing repair and renovation program.

The program helps people who are homeowners get the repairs they may need but cannot afford.

A new endeavor in coming months will be involvement in lead abatement in houses built before 1978, especially those houses with minor children. Jeter said he had previously obtained a pamphlet
on lead poisoning so workers could be safe while doing rehab work. “I didn’t know it would become a focus area,” he said.

In the meantime, the Louisiana Department of Health and Human Services asked the center to get involved in solving the problem of lead poisoning. “First, I’m getting educated about lead poisoning,”
Jeter said. “Then I’ll pursue grant opportunities to address this issue.”

Jeter told of a client who may lose custody of a 4- year-old grandchild if they can’t address the problem. The client is disabled and on fixed income; moving is out of the question. “We need to step in and help them,” he said.

The goal of the local group is building two new houses from Aug. 31 though Sept. 4.

Legacy Build Day 1 - 2009

The 39th house has been funded by First United Methodist Church, Shreveport. Lee Jeter, executive director of The Fuller Center for Housing of Northwest Louisiana, said he is still soliciting funds from several other churches for the 40th house.

Jeter has been encouraging churches in the Allendale neighborhood to participate.

He wants the churches to become aware of the Fuller Center ministry and to volunteer time even if their financial resources limit their giving, to tithe or give love offerings to help support the center’s ministry and to refer applicants for both the new houses and the Greater Blessing home rehabilitation program.

“Millard Fuller brought in resources, including $2.5 million, when he committed to building houses here,” Jeter said. “We must build on that legacy.”

Legacy Build Day 2 - 2009

The FCNWLA completed 19 houses in 2006, 14 in 2007 and 5 in 2008.

To volunteer for the Legacy Build, register by Aug. 15 at www.fullercenter.org or phone 318-221-7474.

Those who lack building skills can help with registration, prepare/serve meals, keep workers hydrated, run errands and help with cleanup.

Through this initiative FCNWLA has rehabilitated a number of homes in Allendale and the surrounding area.These rehabs are done in partnership with businesses and churches and can include such work as roofing, painting, plumbing and other general repairs.

Recent rehab projects and partnerships include the 315 N. Allen Ave. home of Helen Clark – Community Renewal International in partnership with Honeywell Corporation; the 1834 Garden St. home of Carrie Brayboy – Chesapeake Energy; and the Etta Williams home at 121 Leroy St. – Eldorado
Casino.

In addition students from the Huntington High School shop class built a ramp for Effie Romby at 1928 Ford Street. Job Corps members and other volunteers also painted her house.

From June 14-20, 75 people from the Central Texas Methodist Conference performed approximately 2,250 hours of service at 19 different sites, which included rehab on 10 homes, the YWCA and four Volunteer of America sites.

The group of 45 youth and 30 adults, divided into nine teams, also built four
wheelchair ramps. Noel United Methodist Church housed the participants
while they were in the area.

“We would like to give thanks to our many partners and to the Central Texas
Conference for their recent mission trip to Shreveport and the impact that their service had on our community,” said Lee Jeter, FCNWLA director. “OYEE, our community partners!”

FCNWLA screens rehab applicants as they do applicants for new houses. Owners of renovated homes receive “Greater Blessings” boxes which contain envelopes addressed to FCNWLA to be used for love offerings to help bless other families.

“We are trying to get local churches to recommend people whose homes need rehab work,” Jeter said. “We want to help those who are unable to help themselves.”