Springhill – Construction began on the 57th home of Fuller Center of Webster with 18 college students from Valparaiso University in Indiana staying a week in Springhill at Trinity Worship Center to work on the house. The new home is being built on Oak St in Springhill next to homes 55 and 56 which were dedicated to the late Charlie Park, former Executive Director, and Dr. Charles and Marietta Payne founders of the Webster Parish convent partner. House number 57 will be dedicated in memory of Jeri Melancon.
Jeri was a staunch supporter of the works of the Fuller Center of Webster and although she couldn’t hammer a nail in straight, she would help in other ways to see a build come to completion. From donating to helping write mortgages and other legal documents, she did what she did best, caring about others in need.
Having taught many children from low-income families, she would always talk about the difficulties children would have learning, living in conditions that were not the best environment to learn in. A survey conducted of families with safe, stable, and affordable housing, showed fewer health problems, improved school performance, less psychological stress, and more self-assured parents. On the other hand, the survey showed that low-quality housing — often accompanied by pests, poor ventilation, lack of heat, and other detrimental factors — has been strongly linked to physical health problems for children. A decent safe home makes a lot of difference in a child’s life.
The dedication of this home is Fuller Center of Webster’s way of saying thank you for all she did for the Center. She believed that “Faith Could Move Mountains.” And her faith was strong.
For this build, a finding committee of three people from diverse backgrounds has been brought together to choose the next homeowner. They are tasked with interviewing the applicants and then visiting their current living conditions. They will then make a recommendation to the board for final approval. The candidate selected must be willing to put in 500 hours of sweat equity, a $500 down payment, and pay a 20-year 0% mortgage on the cost to build the home as well as insurance and any taxes. To be eligible the candidate must be at or just below the poverty level.
Fuller Center of Webster is a 501(c)3 organization that has been in existence since 1991. In addition to the home construction side, the center runs Main Street Thrift on main street Springhill. If you would like to donate to the Fuller Center or this home all donations are tax deductible. Donations can be dropped off at Main Street Thrift, 233 S. Main Street, Springhill, or mailed to the Fuller Center of Webster, P.O. Box 155, Springhill, LA 71075. You will receive a receipt for your donation.
