Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West (HFHSTW) is an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing by building simple, decent and affordable housing. Habitat offers a hand up, not a hand out. In addition to monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest 300-400 hours of “sweat equity” into building their home and the homes of others, as well as attend homeowner education classes. By learning the tools for success, homeowners develop a sense of pride and empowerment. In addition to building stronger families, we contribute to a stronger community. Working families are able to live closer to where they are employed and building materials are purchased through local vendors to construct their homes. Both out of state and local volunteers work side by side with partner family members, reducing the cost of construction. In addition to measured and unmeasured economic impacts, HFHSTW contributes to the local quality of life through the benefits of increased homeownership, building community ties through volunteer and homeowner participation in the construction process, and by increasing neighborhood stability and civic pride.
Since HFHSTW was founded in 1981 as the tenth Habitat affiliate in the U.S. and the first in Louisiana, over 123 repairs, 18 major home renovations and 203 new home construction projects were completed in our area. Habitat homes are funded in several ways: donations from individuals, churches, civic clubs, and corporations; mortgage payments from our 203 Partner Families; sales at our ReStore; government grants; foundation grants; themed Builds and Special Events. We will utilize our portion of the funds raised from the raffle house to purchase materials for the construction of a new home. This home will be built in The Groves at Mile Branch and will be designated as our “St. Tammany Home Builders Association” home. We welcome all HBA members to join in on helping us to build this home.
