News Summary
The Rising Oaks subdivision by Habitat for Humanity in Terrytown, Louisiana, is nearing completion, promising 154 affordable homes built to FORTIFIED Gold standards. This initiative addresses the need for resilient housing following recent hurricanes and aims to provide cost-effective homes for seniors and working-class families. With significant backing, including funds from MacKenzie Scott, the project focuses on creating a sustainable community with green spaces. Rising Oaks represents a crucial step toward stability in the local housing market.
Terrytown, La. – A new subdivision by Habitat for Humanity, named Rising Oaks, is nearing completion with ambitious goals for affordable housing in the area. Groundbreaking for the project took place on January 22, 2024, on the site of the former Plantation Golf & Country Club, which spans 44 acres. The development aims to provide 154 affordable homes designed to withstand severe weather, reflecting a growing need for resilience in housing following recent hurricane damages in Louisiana.
The homes in Rising Oaks are being constructed to meet “FORTIFIED Gold” standards, which include features such as impact-resistant windows and enhanced wood framing connections. This level of resilience is intended to lessen the impact of insurance costs on homeowners, addressing the ongoing insurance crisis in the region.
The homes will vary in size from 700 to 1,500 square feet and are expected to be priced between $175,000 and $275,000. The housing initiative particularly caters to seniors aged 55 and older, in addition to working-class families. Currently, there are over 200 prospective buyers seeking qualification for these homes, indicating a strong demand for affordable and resilient housing options in the community.
Construction efforts commenced on August 5, 2025, with Quality Engineering and Surveying overseeing site grading and the installation of essential infrastructure, including streets and sewer lines. The project has received a substantial financial boost, including a $4.5 million contribution from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott and a $5 million commitment from Jefferson Parish to support construction costs. Additional funding will be procured through public grants and private donations, with more than half of the project’s financing sourced from these avenues.
The initiative not only focuses on constructing affordable homes but also places importance on creating green spaces and community amenities, such as walking trails, ensuring a holistic approach to neighborhood development. Bradley Holland serves as the Director of Construction for New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, managing this large-scale project, which represents a significant undertaking for the organization that has previously built over 750 homes throughout its history.
Rising Oaks stands as a model for innovative affordable housing solutions in Jefferson Parish and beyond. The architectural design embraces mid-century modern elements, which resonate with the aesthetic of Terrytown, while also fostering community spirit and healthy living environments. Adjustments to income qualification limits have been made to include applicants earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income, thereby expanding access to these homes for a wider range of residents.
The project aims to be fully completed within five years, ensuring substantial community impact and contributing to the local housing market’s stability. As construction continues and homes are made available, Rising Oaks will not only serve as a shelter but also as a beacon of hope for many families seeking stability in the aftermath of recent natural disasters.
Overall, Rising Oaks epitomizes a significant step towards addressing the pressing need for affordable and resilient housing in Louisiana while enhancing the community’s quality of life.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NOLA: Habitat for Humanity’s Rising Oaks Subdivision Takes Shape
- Axios: Habitat for Humanity Rising Oaks in Terrytown
- WGNO: Habitat for Humanity Building New Homes Starting at $175,000
- Wikipedia: Habitat for Humanity
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Habitat for Humanity
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
