Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge

Background

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge (HFHGBR) is a nonprofit, ecumenical housing ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing by building and renovating simple, decent homes in partnership with qualified low-income families and the community. Since its establishment in 1989, HFHGBR has constructed or renovated over 422 homes in the Baton Rouge area, empowering families and fostering community development.

Mission: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.

Vision: A world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Key Strategic Focus

HFHGBR focuses on:

Affordable Homeownership: Partnering with low-income families to build and sell homes at no profit and no interest, enabling them to achieve homeownership.

Community Revitalization: Concentrating building efforts in older, often declining neighborhoods to uplift communities and increase property values.

Volunteer Engagement: Involving diverse religious, social, and business groups in the construction of homes and neighborhoods to build community cohesion.

Financials and Funding

As of the fiscal year ending June 2023, HFHGBR reported:

Revenue: $4.84 million

Expenses: $5.19 million

Total Assets: $7.9 million

Total Liabilities: $1.58 million

The organization maintains a strong financial position, with a liabilities-to-assets ratio of 20.05% and a program expense ratio of 88.07%, indicating efficient use of funds toward its mission.

Pipeline Development

HFHGBR has a robust pipeline of projects, including:

Catholic Coalition Build: Initiated in January 2025, this project involves seven local Catholic churches collaborating to build a home on Dayton Street for a future homeowner.

Planned Builds: The organization plans to construct four additional houses in the area, continuing its commitment to providing affordable housing solutions.

Technological Platform and Innovation

HFHGBR operates two ReStore locations, which are nonprofit retail stores selling new and gently used furniture, appliances, and building materials. These ReStores serve multiple purposes:

Fundraising: Proceeds from ReStore sales are used to fund Habitat's home-building projects.

Environmental Sustainability: By promoting recycling and keeping building materials out of landfills, ReStores contribute to environmental conservation.

Community Engagement: ReStores provide affordable home improvement options to the community and offer volunteer opportunities.

Leadership Team

Board of Directors 2025:

Elizabeth Dyer: President

Andrée Cullens: Vice President

Bridgette Hardy: Vice President of Land Development

Bryant Moore: Treasurer

Ashley Wellons: Secretary

Additional Members: Angel Hanchett, Lisa Harvey, Anthony Kimble, Nick Miller, Trey Monsour, Nedra Payne, Kizzy Payton, Bethany Percle, Robert Shadoin, Spence St. Amant, Calvert Stone, Trey Young

Administrative Staff:

Ritchie Goebel: Chief Executive Officer

Melissa Parmelee: Development Director

Angela Willis: Finance Director

Courtney Falghou: Mortgage Coordinator

Trenecia Jordan: Volunteer Coordinator

Katie Tessier: Communications Coordinator

Tuky Felix: Family Services Director

Construction Staff:

Jack Connor: Construction Director

Cassius Battaglia: Construction Superintendent

ReStore Staff:

Brad Gross: ReStore Southeast Manager

Percy Joseph: ReStore Director

Tracey Ducre: ReStore North Manager

Crystal Lopez: ReStore Procurement Coordinator

Leadership Changes

As of 2025, Ritchie Goebel serves as the Chief Executive Officer, leading the organization's strategic initiatives and operations.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics:

The affordable housing sector in the Greater Baton Rouge area is characterized by a significant demand for low-cost housing solutions, driven by economic disparities and a growing population. Nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in addressing this need through various housing programs.

Competitor Analysis:

While HFHGBR is a leading entity in this space, other organizations contribute to affordable housing efforts, including:

Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF): A community foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Louisiana's capital region, BRAF has launched community initiatives and partnered with local government and businesses to revive downtown Baton Rouge.

Local Housing Authorities: Government agencies providing public housing and rental assistance programs to low-income residents.

HFHGBR differentiates itself through its unique model of partnering with families to build homes and its emphasis on community involvement and volunteerism.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

HFHGBR collaborates with various entities to strengthen its mission:

Church Sponsors: Partnerships with diverse religious groups to build homes and foster community engagement.

Corporate Sponsors: Engagements with businesses to provide funding and volunteer support for home-building projects.

Community Organizations: Collaborations with local nonprofits and civic groups to address broader community development goals.

Operational Insights

HFHGBR's strategic considerations include:

Volunteer Mobilization: Leveraging a diverse volunteer base to reduce construction costs and enhance community involvement.

Sustainable Funding: Utilizing ReStore operations and sponsorships to maintain financial stability.

Community-Centric Approach: Focusing on revitalizing existing neighborhoods to create lasting impacts.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

HFHGBR aims to:

Expand Homeownership Programs: Increase the number of homes built annually to meet growing demand.

Enhance Community Partnerships: Strengthen collaborations with local organizations to address broader housing and community development challenges.