Ribbon Cutting & Prayer Circle: Bogalusa Rebirth Celebrates Development of 8 New Homes in Richardsontown

A Press Release from Bogalusa Rebirth

Prayers work wonders and yesterday (October 3, 2025), the Bogalusa community witnessed just that. A ribbon was cut, a prayer circle was formed, and the doors of hope and opportunity opened as Bogalusa Rebirth, in partnership with the Louisiana Housing Corporation, celebrated the construction of eight new single-family homes in the Richardsontown community.

The event was marked by heartfelt prayers led by Pastor Patrick Magee, and tours of the homes. Most importantly, plenty of homebuyers are already in the pipeline, working with counselors and lenders to achieve their dream of homeownership.

This milestone was made possible through $1.3 million in HUD HOME funds allocated via LHC’s CHDO Annual Awards Program, along with additional investments of $100,000 from Enterprise Community Partners and $100,000 from the Housing Assistance Council.

Bogalusa Rebirth, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, HUD-Certified Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), HUD Certified Housing Counseling Agency, and USDA Direct Loan Packager, continues to focus on eliminating blight and
replacing it with high-quality, affordable housing that strengthens neighborhoods and builds future tax bases for city and parish infrastructure improvements.

"Over ten years, the sixteen properties that Bogalusa Rebirth has produced will generate an estimated $281,300. in property tax revenue, —an investment in Bogalusa’s brighter future" Executive Director Wendy Dupont told the group as they gathered under a beautiful oak tree in the front yard of a new home. "Imagine if we could multiply that number."

Each home is equipped with Ring Doorbell cameras for added safety and security, ensuring residents can feel secure in their investment and their community.

Bogalusa Rebirth extends deep gratitude to many:

• Board of Directors: Derek Dantin (Chairman), Tracey Williams, Dawhone Smith, Judy Sapp, Marlaina Dorman, and Kay Kay Castleberry
• HUD-Certified Housing Counseling & Homebuyer Coordinator: Breanna Caves
• Louisiana Housing Corporation: Brenda Evans, Chief Operating Officer; Paul Johnson, HOME Team; Breanne Bizette, Public Information Officer
• Community Leaders: Senator Beth Mizell; State Rep. John Wyble; Sheriff Jason Smith and WPSO PIO Lindsey Miller; Parish President Ryan Seal; Kim Wagner, Parish Councilwoman and former longtime Bogalusa Rebirth board member; Chastan Bickham, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Bogalusa
• Development Team: Nobles Construction, Builder, (Eddie Gabler, Project Manager); Nobles & Associates, Architects & Engineering (Katie Jones), Ramboll Environmental Consulting (Rivers Berryhill); Jason Mickenheim, Closing Attorney, Cypress Title
• Realtors & Lenders, Bonnie Alford Fane Properties, Katie Busby & Wendy Boyd Katie & Co. Realty; Kimberly Burbank (Renasant Bank), Bridget Owens (Resource Bank)
• Community Partners: David Revere & Elijah Carroll (Youth Build Bogalusa), Liz Garland & Sophia Robinson (United Way of SELA), Kim Edwards (The Daily News)
• Community Members: Teddy Drummond (former Councilman-at-Large), Oneita Graham (former District C Councilwoman), Sonia Fernandez (Resthaven Living Center), James Brennan (Blackstone Property Co.)
• Lisa Miles (Flamingle Home Staging Services), Skylar Wade (Moody Moon) & Sharon Hartzog (Aerial Photography)

Home buyer applicants and donors are invited to learn visit http://www.BogalusaRebirth.com to learn more. All donations are tax-deductible and directly support the mission of revitalizing Bogalusa.

Homebuyers must be income and credit qualified.

Bogalusa Rebirth is committed to removing blight, restoring communities, and rebuilding opportunities for residents looking for decent, safe and affordable homes. By transforming disinvested neighborhoods, the organization provides quality housing and lays the foundation for long-term economic vitality.

Together, with prayer, dedication, and partnership, we are proving that Bogalusa’s best days are still ahead. Continued prayers for Bogalusa.