communities

We cannot do the work that we do without the help of our community. Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West believes that every person has something to contribute and something to gain from creating communities in which all people have decent, affordable places to live. We believe that dignity and hope are best achieved through accountable, equitable partnerships.

Hammers and Heels

On August 23rd, the charming, historic Maison Lafitte hosted the second annual Hammers and Heels Fashion Show benefitting Women Build 2019. The day was filled with great food catered by The Lakehouse, beautiful fashion, and lots of fun as everyone gathered for a great cause.

Before the show, guests enjoyed a cork pull game, libations, a photobooth, and a silent auction filled with excellent prizes. Women Build Homebuyer, Ed Dowling, performed a muscial show for the guests. Hammers and Heels showcased fashions from local shops au Darling, Blossom Girl, Brenchley, Cameo, Hemline, Lilly Pulitzer, MoveMe Fitness, Olive Patch, Paisley, Posh, The ReStore, Suella, Lifestyle Boutique at Franco’s and The Villa. The fashion show raised $12,000 towards the construction of the Dowling & Bunns Family homes.

Women Build

Fueled by Chevron

Women Build is an annual project in which Habitat STW empowers women, without excluding men, to build homes, enabling them to positively impact the lives of families and children by making homeownership a reality. It is the only time there is a fee to volunteer and is one of Habitat’s driving fundraisers each year. In 2019, Chevron donated $25,000 towards the construction of the Dowling & Bunns Family homes, fueling the project’s mission.

Any woman who wants to learn how to build and construct a home is invited to join us. No experience is necessary. Volunteers work under the guidance of construction professionals, and also alongside other volunteers and future Habitat STW homeowners. Whether you are learning new skills or simply adding a few to your tool belt, this is a rewarding experience for all involved and improves the community that you share.

Women Build is also a terrific way to involve your friends and family of all ages in crucial work with a lasting impact. Women helping women sends a positive and powerful message. You can also come alone, and make new friends. The atmosphere is collaborative and friendly. There are many opportunities to get involved with Women Build including sponsorships and joining W.A.T.C.H (Women Accepting The Challenge of Housing).

W.A.T.C.H. is a group of dedicated ladies who ensure Women Build continues to thrive in western St. Tammany. It began in 2009 when a group of women accepted the challenge by pledging $1,000 a year. In recognition and appreciation of their support, members wear a hand-crafted glass lapel pin created by Carol Lapari designs.

Women Build Stats Infographic Ed Dowling

On November 19, Habitat STW held a memorial service for homebuyer Ed Dowling. A disabled veteran and retired professional jazz musician, Ed partnered with Habitat STW to achieve homeownership and was chosen as one of the 2019 Women Build homebuyers. With his charming personality, tenacity, and enthralling stories, Ed touched the hearts of everyone he encountered. Unfortunately, Ed passed away unexpectedly before having the chance to move into his Habitat home, but Habitat STW wanted to honor his memory and lasting impression he made on everyone he met.

Many who learned of Ed’s story, knew that the first thing he wanted to do after moving into his Habitat home was raise the American flag he owned since 1974. To keep this promise, Habitat STW dedicated a flag pole in Ed’s honor. VP/Compliance Officer for Heritage Bank of St. Tammany Randy Ponthieux, created the flag pole and raised the flag during the ceremony. The flag pole now waves outside of the Habitat STW ReStore in memory of a great man.

Edward Dowling will be greatly missed by Habitat STW staff, board members, volunteers, and supporters.

Tkeyah Bunns

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

This is the bible verse that inspires Tkeyah Bunns through life’s journey. A custodian at Madisonville Elementary, Tkeyah is a single mother to 15-month-old daughter Riley. They currently live in an overcrowded family home resulting in Tkeyah and Riley sharing a room. Tkeyah has always dreamt of owning her own home, but realized she couldn’t afford the typical mortage price in the community. Not wanting to prolong her dream, she applied to partner with Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West (Habitat STW) to achieve homeownership. After being approved, she hit the ground running on her sweat equity hours by working at the Habitat STW ReStore.

“I really enjoy working at the ReStore,” says Tkeyah. “The staff is amazing and I love meeting all the volunteers and homeowners during my shift.” Tkeyah also enjoys attending the required homeownership education courses, with her favorite being Financial Fitness.

“The financial fitness classes make you reflect on how much you’re spending and help you with budgeting,” says Tkeyah. “During this class series we also created vision boards to help us visualize our goals and then discussed how we can accomplish them.”

The Bunns Family Women Build Fueled by Tkeyah also notes that the Home Maintenance classes are extremely beneficial. “I have never owned a home,” says Tkeyah. “I just feel better prepared knowing these skills, such as how to change an AC filter. I didn’t know you needed to do that!” As a single mother, Tkeyah firmly believes that women have the ability to do whatever they put their minds to. She is a huge proponent of “doing it herself ” and is excited to be included in a project with this encouraging message.

Tkeyah feels home is a place you can call your own, filled with safety and comfort. Her biggest motivation during this process is knowing that she will be providing her daughter with a safe, stable home that will always be her shelter. After moving into their Habitat home, Tkeyah believes that life will be less stressful. A graduate of Paul Mitchell Vanguard, she hopes to pursue her dream career of being a hair stylist. By becoming a Habitat homeowner, she will not only build a home, but the strength, stability, and selfreliance for a better future.

“To all the volunteers, I really appreciate everything you do. It’s not taken lightly,” says Tkeyah. “I pray that God blesses you for all the good that you’ve done and are doing. You are amazing!”

The construction of the Bunns Family Home was part of Women Build 2019 Fueled by Chevron. Tkeyah and her daughter, Riley, purchased and moved into their Habitat STW home in March 2020.

Community Partners Breakfast

In March 2020, Habitat STW held the 8th Annual Community Partners Breakfast at Tchefuncte Country Club where guests were invited to learn how their support of our mission directly impacts our community. During this free, one hour event, guests heard from two Habitat STW homeowners, Kashanie Warren and Tommy Savoie. They shared how homeownership has not only impacted their lives, but the lives of their children.

The event raised $125,000 in one-time donations and three year pledges.

Over the last eight years, the Community Partners Breakfast has funded the construction of 14 Habitat STW homes.