Nearly a year to the date that ground was broken on a plot of land in Jonesboro, LA, where two homes were planned by Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana, the residence that will be owned by Sharonda Leonard is now nearing completion.

Located on land that was donated by Mercy Medical Health Center on Bond Street in Jonesboro, the residence is the first Habitat for Humanity Project in Jonesboro in 13 years. This milestone project was made possible through the generous support of Smurfit WestRock in Hodge, LA, the build’s title sponsor and volunteer builder, and Jonesboro State Bank, which contributed $25,000 in seed funding to launch the project through the Pledge10 Grant program.

“At Smurfit WestRock, we believe in supporting the communities where we live and work,” said Brett Tremblay, General Manager of the Hodge mill, at the groundbreaking ceremony in July, 2025. “Partnering with Habitat for Humanity gives our employees a meaningful opportunity to come together, roll up their sleeves, and make a real difference for a local family. We are proud to help bring affordable housing to Jonesboro and look forward to seeing the impact this home will have.”

Kathy Gardner, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana, also expressed her gratitude:

“We are deeply thankful to Kim Brunson, CEO of Mercy Medical Center, for the land donation, to Smurfit WestRock, the Whole House sponsor, for providing all the volunteer labor to build the home and fundraising through the Hodge Mill, and to Thurston Allen, President of Jonesboro State Bank for their $25,000 donation to get this project started. These contributions of land, time, materials, and financial support are a powerful testament to the spirit of this community.”

As part of Habitat’s homeownership model, future homeowners contribute 250 hours of sweat equity, working alongside volunteers to build their homes. Applicants are carefully selected based on need, ability to pay an affordable mortgage, and willingness to partner with Habitat, which includes attending 12 weeks of financial education classes.

For more information about Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana or to get involved, visit hfhnl.org.