$129,000 grant brings storm-resistant roofs to eight Louisiana families
$129,000 grant brings storm-resistant roofs to eight Louisiana families
SHREVEPORT, Louisiana — Eight families in Shreveport and Bossier City have received new storm-resistant roofs thanks to a $129,442 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and Bonvenu Bank, working in partnership with The Fuller Center for Housing of Northwest Louisiana and Community Renewal International.
Four of the recipients are Fuller Center homeowners whose houses were built in 2005, 2006 and 2007 in Shreveport’s Allendale neighborhood — the birthplace of The Fuller Center’s homebuilding efforts in the United States.
For Lee Jeter, executive director of The Fuller Center of Northwest Louisiana, the improvements represent more than routine home maintenance. They’re another way of honoring a commitment made to families nearly two decades ago.
Over the years, storms and high winds have taken their toll on roofs throughout the area, while rising insurance costs have created additional financial burdens for homeowners, many of whom are elderly or living on fixed incomes.
Jeter pointed to the struggles of homeowner Rebecca Scott, who has paid off her Fuller Center mortgage but faced losing her homeowners insurance because her aging roof needed replacement.
“Her mortgage is paid off,” Jeter said. “And the only income Rebecca has coming in right now is her Social Security.”
The new roofs were funded through FHLB Dallas’ FORTIFIED Fund. The FORTIFIED designation, developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, recognizes roofing systems designed to provide greater protection against severe weather.
Shreveport homeowner Phyliss Davis called her new roof a tremendous blessing.
“I live alone, and my old roof was overdue for replacement, but I simply couldn’t afford it,” she said. “Now, I feel much safer and more secure in my home.”
For Jeter, the work continues to reflect the vision of Fuller Center founder Millard Fuller — a commitment that doesn’t end when a family receives the keys to a new home.
“I’m only doing what Millard kind of put in my heart to do,” Jeter said. “I keep saying I’m supposed to retire, but I guess Millard said we don’t ever retire.”