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Bogalusa, LA —February 1, 2023 — Bogalusa Rebirth has been selected one of 21 organizations being awarded a total of $300,000 in grant funding that supports non-profit organizations currently promoting access to homeownership, affordable housing development and housing rehabilitation located within Hancock Whitney service areas.

For the fifth year in a row, Hancock Whitney, in partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation through a competitive grant process, has funded organizations across the five Gulf Coast states that the financial institution serves. Bogalusa Rebirth was eligible for these funds because they are working in a vulnerable community to help to increase the rate of homeownership.

“The Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) is honored to be part of this remarkable initiative that Hancock Whitney is leading under their Community Reinvestment Act Program. Prioritizing equity while investing in our communities as Hancock Whitney is doing is a great model of ‘giving in action’,” said President and CEO of the GNOF Andy Kopplin. “Through this endeavor, we can drive together a positive impact across the Gulf Coast.”

Bogalusa Rebirth is a certified Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) working in partnership with Louisiana Housing Corporation to utilize HUD HOME funds to build and sell homeownership units to homebuyers earning less than 80% area median income in Bogalusa.

“In an effort to expand access to affordable housing, Hancock Whitney commits to supporting organizations doing the most good,” said Vice President CRA Officer Ashley Harrison. “We are honored to award Bogalusa Rebirth a 2022 Opportunity Grant award for the work they are doing to help reduce barriers to homeownership and strengthen the community. Through quality housing partners like Bogalusa Rebirth, we can help promote equity in homeownership and ensure residents have the opportunity to achieve the dream of homeownership.”

Wendy Dupont, Executive Director states that the funds will be utilized to start a mortgage reduction fund that will allow Bogalusa Rebirth to serve the neediest from our potential homebuyer waiting list.  “Up until now, we have only been able to serve those who can income qualify for a mortgage leaving those very low-income applicants deprived of access to homeownership.  In our area, which has proven to be an area of demonstrated need, with nearly one-third of our residents living in poverty, these direct homebuyer assistance funds will help those applicants meet the gap to be mortgage ready.”

For more information on the affordable housing program, visit www.BogalusaRebirth.com to complete an online application.