FCH Southwest Louisiana gets $50,000 boost from Empire of the Seed

(Pictured from left on front row: Rick Richard, Greta Willis and Donna Richard. From left on back row: Karen Harrell, Dianna Ross, Randy Roach, Nancy Roach.)

FCH Southwest Louisiana gets $50,000 boost from Empire of the Seed

LAKE CHARLES, Louisiana — Three years after Hurricanes Laura and Delta ravaged parts of Southwest Louisiana, the spotlight has faded and many disaster recovery operations have moved on to other projects.

The Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders is one of the organizations that was serving in the area, but before moving on they helped launch a new, permanent Fuller Center covenant partner in the area to continue helping those who still need a hand-up in the recovery process. The Fuller Center of Southwest Louisiana was officially formed in May of this year, and it is led by Disaster ReBuilders veteran Greta Willis.

“We are three years removed from Hurricanes Laura and Delta in Southwest Louisiana, but many low-income residents of the region are still living with family, are living out of the area, are living in damaged homes, or are now homeless,” Willis said. “And this is only part of the housing crisis here. There is just not enough housing. And the housing that is available for purchase or rental, is priced out of reach for low-income families.”

In other words, there is much work to do. Fortunately, The Fuller Center of Southwest Louisiana has received a huge boost toward their efforts thanks to a $50,000 donation of seed and matching funds from Rick and Donna Richard of Empire of the Seed.

Empire of the Seed states on its website that it “is a company that trusts in preserving and regenerating the best of the past while contributing to a clean, sustainable future. The company believes that diversity of ideas leads to a diversity of activities and cultural enrichment that enhances our community.”

Rick Richard noted that they have witnessed The Fuller Center for Housing model in action in other places, and they are excited to see the affordable housing ministry’s uplifting principles put to use in their own backyard.

“We love the Fuller model,” he said. “We have seen it in action and we know it works.”

Willis believes that the Richards’ generous gift will help bring attention to one of The Fuller Center’s newest covenant partners and that it will encourage more members of the local community to support their efforts.

“We are truly grateful for all donations of any size,” Willis said. “Donations make our mission work possible.”

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