Northshore Community Foundation

This is what collaboration looks like - partners coming together to strengthen and sustain housing impact across St. Tammany and Washington Parishes. A strong example of how alignment and shared purpose can build lasting impact for our community. Way to go!

𝗛𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗔𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗦𝘁. 𝗧𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀

Habitat for Humanity affiliates serving western St. Tammany and Washington Parishes have announced plans to combine operations, creating a unified affiliate designed to strengthen long-term housing impact and ensure sustained service across both parishes.

The planned combination reflects a shared commitment to Habitat’s mission and a thoughtful response to the increasingly complex housing environment. Rising construction costs, insurance pressures, land constraints, and funding challenges have made it essential for nonprofit housing providers to operate with strong infrastructure, regional collaboration, and long-term sustainability in mind.

By aligning under a single organizational structure, the unified affiliate will be better positioned to support renewed and ongoing Habitat activities in Washington Parish while continuing established programs in western St. Tammany Parish. The combination allows the organization to responsibly rebuild capacity where needed, leverage shared expertise, and pursue opportunities that would be difficult for smaller, standalone operations.

“This step is about stewardship—of our mission, our resources, and our responsibility to the communities we serve,” said Terri Gage, President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West. “The goal is not rapid expansion, but thoughtful, sustainable impact that can be maintained over time.”

Leaders emphasized that Habitat’s presence in Washington Parish has long been rooted in community commitment, and this combination provides a pathway to re-establish momentum in a way that is realistic, locally grounded, and aligned with available resources.

“This combination honors the history of Habitat’s work in Washington Parish while creating a stable foundation for future service,” said Brenda Williams, consultant and long-time Executive Director of Washington Habitat for Humanity. “It allows us to move forward with intention and care, ensuring that when activities occur, they are supported and sustainable.”

The organization is currently welcoming families to connect with its Homeownership Center in Mandeville, while also working to establish a local meeting space in Washington Parish, where meetings will be held by appointment.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗚𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱

In the months ahead, the organization will focus on:

• Completing governance and operational alignment
• Assessing community needs and existing capacity in both parishes
• Laying the groundwork for future Habitat activities in Washington Parish
• Maintaining transparency with partners, volunteers, and supporters throughout the transition

Specific program timelines and scope will be determined as planning progresses and resources are secured.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗮 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲

As part of the combination, the organization will adopt a new unified name that reflects the shared geography, values, and future vision of both parishes. Community members, partners, and supporters are invited to offer input and suggestions.

“We want a name that feels grounded in place and inclusive of the communities we serve,” said Terri Gage. “This is an opportunity for people across both parishes to help shape the identity of the organization moving forward.”

Information on how to participate in the naming process will be shared in the coming weeks through Habitat communications and partner channels.

Until a new name is finalized, both affiliates will continue operating under their current names.

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗛𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that brings people together to build, preserve, and improve homes so that everyone has a safe, decent, and affordable place to live. Through homeownership opportunities, critical repairs, and community partnerships, Habitat helps families build strength, stability, and self-reliance.

This Dick Knight Day we're celebrating a heart for service and a lasting impact on our community as the Foundation is proud to recognize Sue Rotolo of The Good Samaritan Ministry as the 2026 Dick Knight Award recipient!

For more than 25 years, Sue has helped grow Good Sams into a trusted, far-reaching resource for individuals and families across the Northshore, leading with care, compassion, and a deep commitment to others. She truly reflects the spirit of Dick Knight—serving with authenticity, generosity, and a deep belief in the value of every person.

A big thank you to Resource Bank, the Gia Maione Prima Foundation, and the Fund for Bogalusa for making this award possible.

We’re still thinking about the conversations from our Annual Meeting! It was a morning of reflection and momentum - looking back on the impact made possible this past year while turning our focus to what lies ahead.

This year’s Annual Meeting centered on at-risk youth, highlighting challenges, experiences, and the support surrounding this work across our region. With that, we announced the launch of the Foundation’s very first Impact Fund dedicated to supporting at-risk youth - an exciting next step as we look ahead to our 20th anniversary next year.

Check out the video we shared that morning to see more of the at-risk youth efforts taking place in our community. Watch it now!

NCF: Standing Behind At-Risk Youth Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

🎉 King Cake Kickoff with our Nonprofit Partners!

We loved bringing our nonprofit partners together to connect with one another, hear Foundation updates, and enjoy some seriously delicious king cake. Thank you to everyone who joined us — your work strengthens our community every day.

And a big shoutout to Children's Museum of St. Tammany for taking home Best King Cake! Take a look at all of our nonprofit partners here: https://northshorefoundation.org/who-we-are/our-npo-members/

The window to apply for scholarships is still open—but not for long! With one month left to apply for Foundation scholarships, students pursuing degrees, skills training, or career pathways are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities. Explore all scholarships available here: https://northshorefoundation.org/community-impact/scholarships/