(The Center Square) — Fuller Center for Housing Executive Director Lee Jeter addressed the Caddo Commission this week about efforts in place to help families throughout the parish with affordable housing.
The northwest Louisiana nonprofit was founded in 2005 and aims to eliminate poverty housing by building homes that residents can afford in the community.
“Our mission is simple. We do not provide handouts but a hand up — an opportunity for low and moderate income families,” said Jeter.
Many of the families would fall under the ALICE category. United Way released its detailed ALICE report back in May reporting that 22% of Caddo Parish households and 23% of Shreveport households are in poverty. Alice stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. According to the report, 31% of Caddo Parish households are considered ALICE households and 32% of Shreveport households are considered ALICE households.
When it comes to funding, the Fuller Center does not receive government funding for the construction of its homes. The money is raised independently through grants, foundations and local church partnerships.
“Since our founding in 2005, we have built 64 new homes in Caddo and Bossier parishes; 59 of those homes are in Caddo Parish,” said Jeter.
The Fuller Center is currently building three more homes in Bossier Parish. According to the ALICE report, around 40% of Bossier Parish falls into the ALICE category. Caddo Parish and the city of Shreveport have a reported 53-55% of households in poverty.
Jeter said many of the homes built are occupied by veterans.
Commissioner John-Paul Young was among many commissioners to speak highly of the organization for their work. Young also addressed how the organization could potentially help the Highland area, which has been a concern for many over its blighted properties and squatter issues.
Jeter said that at this time, homeowners living in these houses are not paying more than $700 a month.
