Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Louisiana hosted a groundbreaking along with major sponsor, Boyd Gaming’s Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino on Thursday, May 10, 2007, at 10:00 a.m.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held at the future home site, located at 3002 Lufkin in the Valencia neighborhood in Shreveport.  The home is being built for single parent, Lisa Richards who was displaced from her New Orleans residence as a result of Hurricane Katrina.  

Together, Habitat and Sam’s Town plan to build a home for Ms. Richards and her family.  Ms. Richards will occupy the house with 4 children ranging in age from 18 to five months.  The home will have 4 bedrooms and 1 ½ baths.

Ground Breaking Ceremony

Sam’s Town employees will assist in the building process starting June 2 through completion.  Habitat will provide training for non-skilled workers.  “Our employees are very excited to get started on the home and appreciate the opportunity to assist this deserving family.” said Kim Etland, General Manager of Sam’s Town Shreveport.

This project is very “near and dear” to Etland who was the General Manager of the Treasure Chest Casino, another Boyd Gaming Property,  in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.  “I’ve seen first hand the struggles families faced after Katrina.  Sam’s Town is especially proud to work on this house that offers a home and hope for the future”.  

Habitat plans to build a total of 6 homes this year versus 1 or 2 in years past due to the great need for simple, decent housing in the Shreveport/Bossier community.  This growth is made possible through generous donations of money and time by local partners and volunteers.