Christmas will be extra special this year for Bobbie Jo Furlow. She'll be celebrating the holidays in a home of her own for the very first time.  Her dream of homeownership became a reality recently with the help of Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Louisiana and the Northwest Louisiana Home Builders Association.  Bobbie Jo's home was the 32nd house constructed by the Northwest Louisiana Habitat affiliate and the 4th sponsored by the Home Builders Association.

HBA President Ed Jackson, presents Bobbie Jo Furlow with the keys as Mayor George Dement (left) and Habitat executives Pat Joyner and Clair White look on.

Judy Head of the Habitat Advisory Board conducted the initial interview with Bobbie Jo. She recalls driving up to a substandard, dilapidated rental property that Bobbie Jo called home and entering into the cleanest, neatest place she had ever seen. "I've never met a client who wanted a home so badly," said Judy. "She knew what needed to be done and did it." Described as quiet, gentle, yet determined, Bobbie Jo had the required 250 hours of sweat equity contributed to the project in record time.

Her hard work and determination paid off recently when Ed Jackson, President of the Northwest Louisiana Home Builders Association, presented Bobbie Jo the keys to her new home in Bossier City. The home was constructed entirely of donated materials and labor - even the lot was donated.

Thanks to Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Louisiana, the Northwest Louisiana Home Builders Association, and Bobbie Jo's dedication to her dream, she has a new home of her own. Bobbie Jo now joins millions of other Americans who already know how great it feels to have a place to call home.