(Over the course of the next few weeks, the Lincoln Parish Journal is republishing some of its most memorable stories from the past year … some of our readers favorites).
by Hanna Singh
One deserving individual was handed the keys to a brighter future as Cabrino Wagner became the first homeowner in a new Habitat for Humanity subdivision in Ruston.
Wagner, a manager at the Ruston Walmart, received the keys to her new home during the “Giving of the Keys” and ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday. Her home is the first of 18 planned for the new subdivision.
Wagner had applied to receive a Habitat for Humanity home for 3 years in a row. When she was selected to become their newest recipient, she took her new role as a homeowner very seriously. As part of the organization’s requirements, new homeowners participate in classes on financial literacy and homeownership to prepare for the responsibilities of maintaining a home. Wagner expressed deep appreciation for the chance to start anew in a safe and comfortable place.
“One thing my mom always used to say was, always give those grace who go above and beyond for you,” Wagner said. “I’m so grateful for all the sponsors, donations and most of all, to North Louisiana Habitat for Humanity.”
The home was brought together over the last year through the efforts and donations of many sponsors and volunteers. Construction began in February 2024. The project received $122,775 in monetary donations and $33,478 in in-kind donations, for a total value of $156,253. A total of 237 volunteers contributed 1,066 hours to build the home.
CEO Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana, Kathy Gardner expressed her appreciation for all of the sponsors and volunteers.
“We are extremely grateful to all our sponsors, our volunteers, our board and our staff for all the hard work they put in. It takes everyone to make this happen. The funding was incredible and the caring that went into this home and the homeowner was amazing,” Gardner said. “That’s what it’s all about – the homeowner – and putting them in a good situation. They were in a bad place and now they are able to thrive.”
Gardner shared that her family will be moving in as soon as possible and are so grateful for the entire community coming together to support them. Although Wagner’s mother could not attend the ceremony, Gardner noted how excited she was to see her daughter reach this milestone. In honor of her, the home was dedicated to Wagner’s mother. The home is the first addition of 17 more that will be built on lots donated by Temple Baptist church.
Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana works to ensure that everyone has a decent place to live. They are a Christian organization with a mission to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. That mission was woven into every part of the homebuilding process. During construction, volunteers held a “stud signing” event, where the wooden studs were inscribed with Bible verses and blessings for the new owners. A Bible was also placed beneath the foundation and laid under concrete, symbolizing that the home was built on the strong foundation of God’s word.
Alongside Habitat for Humanity, this project was made possible through the generosity and efforts of many community partners, including: Frank Codaro Family, Temple Baptist Church, Hunt Family, Hunt Gilliout & Associates, Weyerhauser, First Presbyterian Church of Ruston, Corburn’s, Freeman Lumber, Pearce Lumber, Hancock Construction, Dan Lord Plumbing, City of Ruston, First Horizon Bank, CED, Adult & Teen Challenge, Tolar Trackhoe & Trucking, Origin Bank, Chase Bank, Dr. J Engineering, North Louisiana Electrical, Pintail Roofing, 318 Construction, 318 Heat & Air, Tempco Insulation, Industrial Cable Solutions, Home Improvement Outlet, Rogers Manufacturing, Tom Sanders, Greystone Rentals, Shermin Williams, Cross Keys Bank, Entergy, CRV Custom Painting, JTL Construction, Lowes, Douglas Cabinets, Golden Roofing, Lamar, Rapid Signs, JR’s Professional Concrete Finishing, PAK Construction & Roofing, Trey’s Landscaping Services, and Generations Concrete.
