2026 Annual Recap & Newsletter

As we reflect on 2026, I am incredibly grateful for another year of growth, progress, and continued investment in our community. Since founding Bogalusa Rebirth in 2007, I have had the privilege of watching what began as a vision for stronger neighborhoods grow into an organization that is making a lasting impact throughout Bogalusa and Washington Parish.

None of this work happens alone. On behalf of myself and our Board of Directors, I want to sincerely thank our grantors, financial partners, community organizations, volunteers, sponsors, homeowners, and supporters who continue to believe in the mission of Bogalusa Rebirth.

Our mission remains simple but important: to revitalize neighborhoods through the development of safe, sanitary, and affordable housing while providing education, counseling, and financial empowerment opportunities for low-to-moderate income families throughout Washington Parish.

Building More Than Houses

One of the greatest joys of this work is seeing an empty or blighted property become a place that a family can finally call home.

To date, Bogalusa Rebirth has completed the construction of 20 HUD-assisted single-family homes and successfully sold 17 newly constructed affordable homes to eligible first-time homebuyers. We also currently have four additional housing units in pre-development, continuing our commitment to creating affordable homeownership opportunities in our community.

At the same time, revitalization means addressing properties that have negatively affected our neighborhoods for years. Through grant funding and partnerships, Bogalusa Rebirth has now demolished 15 blighted and unsafe structures, helping make way for safer and stronger neighborhoods.

Investing Back Into Bogalusa

We are especially proud that the resources generated through our housing development work continue to be invested back into the community.

Bogalusa Rebirth has recycled more than $900,000 in CHDO Sales Proceeds directly back into affordable housing development projects.

The Louisiana Housing Corporation has committed a total of $3,629,623 in HUD HOME funding for single-family affordable homeownership development through the NOAH and CHDO Annual Awards (CHAAP) programs. Since 2017, Bogalusa Rebirth has also received $338,596 in CHDO Operating Grants from LHC to strengthen our organization and support this work.

Through the combined support of public funding, private partners, grants, and Louisiana Housing Corporation HOME investments, more than $4.5 million has been invested directly into Bogalusa’s inner-city neighborhoods to support affordable housing development, blight elimination, homebuyer education, financial counseling, and neighborhood revitalization.

Helping Families Reach Homeownership

Building homes is only one part of our mission. We also want families to be financially prepared to purchase and successfully maintain those homes.

Bogalusa Rebirth is the only HUD Certified Housing Counseling Agency located in Washington Parish and is also a Certified USDA Direct Loan Packager. These programs allow our team to provide homebuyer counseling and financial coaching while helping qualified families navigate the homeownership and USDA loan process.

Our partnerships have also allowed us to provide direct assistance to first-time homebuyers. Through the Hancock Whitney Opportunity Grant, $50,950 has been received for homebuyer assistance, along with $82,040 through the Capital One Homebuyer Assistance Grant.

Our work also extends to existing homeowners. Through partnerships and programs such as the Housing Assistance Council AHRV Program and Home Depot Foundation Critical Needs Rehabilitation Assistance, we have been able to support veteran and critical home repair efforts in our community.

Growing Our Capacity

As the needs of our community have grown, Bogalusa Rebirth has continued to grow with them.

Through the Enterprise Section 4 Capacity Building Grant, our organization has received $50,000 annually for five years, helping expand staffing and strengthen our capacity to provide housing and community development services.

Today, our mission is supported by more than 72 community partners and over 50 volunteers. Every organization, business, volunteer, funder, and individual who supports Bogalusa Rebirth becomes part of the work happening in our neighborhoods.

2026 PROGRESS AT A GLANCE

• 20 HUD-assisted single-family homes completed
• 17 newly constructed affordable homes sold to eligible first-time homebuyers
• 4additional housing units currently in pre-development
• 14 blighted and unsafe structures demolished
• $900,000+ in CHDO Sales Proceeds reinvested into affordable housing development
• $3,629,623 in HUD HOME funding committed through Louisiana Housing Corporation
• $338,596 in LHC CHDO Operating Grants received since 2017
• $132,990 received through Hancock Whitney and Capital One for homebuyer assistance
• 72+ community partners supporting our mission
• 50+ volunteers helping make our work possible
• More than $4.5 million invested directly into Bogalusa’s inner-city neighborhoods.

Looking Ahead

While we are proud of how far Bogalusa Rebirth has come, there is still much work ahead.

Our long-term goal continues to be the revitalization of our neighborhoods by addressing blight, developing quality affordable housing, creating pathways to homeownership, and giving residents the education and financial tools they need to build long-term stability and wealth.

We believe homeownership can change more than the life of one family. It can strengthen an entire block, stabilize a neighborhood, and create an investment in the future of our community.

Most importantly, we remain grateful to the good Lord above for continuing to guide this organization and open doors that allow us to serve others. We recognize that the progress we celebrate today would not have been possible without His blessings and the many people He has placed alongside us throughout this journey.

As we move forward, we invite our community to continue being part of the REBIRTH of Bogalusa.

Ready to Begin Your Homeownership Journey?

Be a Part of the REBIRTH

There is truly joy in giving back, and the continued support of our community makes this mission possible.

Bogalusa Rebirth is a501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Certified Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency, and Certified USDA Direct Loan Packager.

To learn more about our programs, affordable housing opportunities, or ways to support our mission,  contact:

Bogalusa Rebirth
305 Avenue B, Suite 111
Bogalusa, LA 70427
Office:(985) 735-7283

Together, we are building homes, strengthening families, eliminating blight, and continuing the REBIRTH of Bogalusa.