Home to Stay

Photo 1: Linda Honore and Lo Walker
Linda Honore gets a hug from Bossier City Mayor Lo Walker at her home dedication.

Photo 2: Honore's new home.
Honore's new home in the Bossier City Annex neighborhood.

Before Hurricane Katrina, Linda Honore had never been to northwest Louisiana. She never expected to stay. As the news came in on the flooding from the 17th street levee, she realized that her home, like hundreds of other structures in the Ninth Ward, was under water. For this 57-year-old disabled New Orleans native, going home was no longer possible.

She found herself stranded in the Shreveport-Bossier City area, an unfamiliar region far from her roots. Soon she would find this community at the opposite end of the state from her beloved New Orleans had become her haven.

"I don't really know what I expected, but the welcome we got here was just overwhelming," she said. "If it weren't for Katrina, I don't think I'd ever be here."

Now, she doesn't think she ever wants to leave. She has a new home, a 1,050-square-foot house built by Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Louisiana.

About 110 volunteers helped build the three-bedroom, one-bathroom structure on Bossier City's St. Charles Street, a name reminiscent of the historic Crescent City Boulevard. According to local Habitat Volunteer Coordinator Martha Lawrence it took 22 days.

Habitat for Humanity sells its homes to residents with zero percent interest and at the cost of materials and subcontractors. Residents also pay their own utilities. Honore's home in the Bossier Annex neighborhood cost about $51,000.

Not long ago, volunteers, politicians, clergy and business people welcomed Honore into her new home with a dedication ceremony. Mildred Reeves, from Downsville came. She cut and hanged door facings during her handful of work days.

"Just the idea of helping someone is wonderful," the 66-year-old said. "I'm a nurse by profession, but this is different."

Bossier City Mayor Lo Walker said attending the dedication service was a "distinct honor" and praised the welcoming spirit of volunteerism. "You can't fake what's in this room today," he said.

The home was built to accommodate Honore's disability, including a bathroom equipped with a handicap accessible shower.

"People don't realize how important that is to a handicapped person," Honore said. "I don't have to step up and climb over that bathtub."

She will live in the new house with her son who helps care for her. The house has a newly sodded lawn and landscaping with a birdbath and orange, yellow and pink flowers.

As family and new neighbors filed in and out, Honore felt right at home in her new community. "Close that door", she said. "The air conditioning's getting out."
 
Content Archived: July 18, 2011