At 10:00 am on Thursday, July 3rd, the groundbreaking for Jonesboro’s newest neighborhood will take place. On hand will be Sharonda Leonard of Jonesboro, who was selected by Habitat for Humanity for North Louisiana, to be the first of four future homeowners at the 265 Bond Street location back in February.
Joining Leonard for the “dirt turning” is expected to be Habitat for Humanity President / CEO, Kathy Gardner, and board members, along with representatives from Smurfit Westrock and Jonesboro State Bank, who also played a big role in the planned development coming into fruition. Additionally, CEO Kim Brunson of Mercy Medical Health Center in Jonesboro, who graciously donated the land for the development, Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike” Harris, Jackson Parish Police Jury President Todd Culpepper and other various Jackson Parish officials will be present.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Sharonda Leonard to our Habitat family,” said Gardner. “Her dedication to education and her community truly reflects the heart of our mission. It is an honor to walk alongside her on her journey to homeownership. We are also incredibly grateful to Smurfit WestRock for their unwavering commitment to this project. Their employees will be volunteering all the hours needed to build the home, in addition to providing the majority of the funding for materials.”
“Additionally, Jonesboro State Bank has been instrumental in this effort, generously providing essential funding to make this home a reality, continued Gardner. “We are so very grateful for their immense generosity.”
About Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in Southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S., and in more than 70 countries.
Families and individuals in need of a hand-up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower.
For more information on how to support Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana, please visit hfhnl.org or contact our office at (318) 366-5352.