Habitat and Fuller Center merge in Hammond, Louisiana

The Northshore Fuller Center for Housing (NFCH) has recently joined forces with the Ginger Ford Habitat for Humanity (NFCH) to work together toward a common goal – reducing poverty housing among Northshore residents in Hammond, Louisiana.  

The two previously distinct organizations will henceforth be known as the Ginger Ford Northshore Fuller Center for Housing. The merger will operate out of the current Ginger Ford Habitat for Humanity facilities at 955 S. Morrison Boulevard in Hammond.  The current Habitat ReStore and Shop for Habitat will continue as normal with no interruption in hours or service; however, the names will also change to reflect the new covenant partner.

Helen Ford Dufreche, Ginger Ford’s daughter, said the merge “continues her mother’s dream to help families in the local Hammond community have a decent house.”

The new organization’s mission operates on this dream as well, aiming to eliminate poverty housing by partnering with low-income families and volunteers to build new homes or renovate distressed homes. New houses are built with discounted or donated materials and volunteer labor.  Homeowner families are required to contribute 350 hours of “sweat equity” in the construction of their own house and those of others. 

Through The Fuller Center’s Greater Blessings and Renew Home Programs, volunteers help low income families renovate existing houses in need of repair.   Each of these programs restores hope to the families, restores pride in the community and gives children a safer environment in which to grow.  

The organization will continue under the former GFHFH and NFCH board members’ leadership.  David Danel, C.P.A. will serve as Chairman, and Stephen Smith, Southeastern Louisiana University’s Vice President of Finance will serve as Treasurer.  Other board members include Connie Barringer, Amber Burch, Tamara Danel, Alexis Ducorbier, Glen Galbraith, Phil Livingston, Katrinka Lopinto, Dr. John Magee, Dr. Joe Miller, Robbie Miller, Tracy Miller, Dr. James Nelson, Jeanne-Marie Pierson, Gene Pregeant, Judy Roth, Elsbet Smith, Iris Wiggins, and Tyronee Williams.

“The merge will put GFHFH back on track to build homes to fulfill its mission and commitment to families in need,” Phil Livingston, Chairman of GFHFH, said.   

With the combined forces, The Fuller Center for Housing-Ginger Ford Northshore will also be able to work with even more families to provide them a simple, decent place to call home. 

As Patti Giannobile, Former Executive Director of the GFHFH said, “I was proud to have been part of an organization which gives needy families a helping hand, most of all, a place to call home. The families served would never have been able to obtain a conventional home loan or live the American dream of home ownership without Ginger Ford Habitat for Humanity. It never gets old knowing you have helped change peoples’ lives for the better. I wish the new organization continued success.”

 
Find out more about volunteering with The Fuller Center in Hammond.