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Henry O’Flipper Foundation presents three completed homes, seeks city help to scale housing work
Summary
The Henry O’Flipper Foundation told the council it has built three low-income homes using Louisiana Housing and a Sabine Bank loan and sought city support and potential donations of property or grants to expand the program.
Members of the Henry O’Flipper Foundation told the Natchitoches City Council they have completed three low-income houses and are seeking local support, a permanent office and additional funding to expand work in the city.
Charles Hall, co-chair of the Henry O’Flipper Foundation, told the council, “We got 3 houses that we built so far on Dixie, Grace, and Sanford,” and said the group used Louisiana Housing funding and a loan from Sabine Bank to finance construction. Foundation leaders said proceeds from initial sales will retire the loan and that the group hopes to acquire or renovate additional dilapidated houses for low-income residents.
Dorothy McGasket, who identified herself as a retired school-board member and foundation board member, outlined the project’s long history, saying the work began in 1999 and survived financing challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic. She thanked Louisiana Housing Corporation and Sabine Bank for funding and described the group as the only local foundation the presenters knew of that had secured funding to build three low-income houses in the city.
Planning staff reminded the council that to qualify as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) the group needs a business address on file, at least five board members and one paid employee. Foundation members confirmed they have five members and are seeking a brick-and-mortar office and additional grant funding to continue projects.
Council members thanked the foundation and offered the municipal building as a temporary meeting space. Foundation leaders said they are also looking for donated property or houses to rehab and for partners to help secure grants. Staff said the foundation’s application for one house on Grace Avenue is pending and additional applications have been routed through the foundation and Sabine Bank for processing.
The council did not take formal action on the presentation; council members encouraged the foundation to coordinate with planning staff and to pursue CHDO certification and grant opportunities.
The foundation’s leaders invited donations and emphasized the local need for affordable housing, saying many residents are temporarily doubled up or in hotels while seeking permanent housing.
