LAFAYETTE, La. — The dream of homeownership is closer than ever for families on Lafayette’s Northside thanks to federal funding for local agencies addressing housing concerns and the efforts of future homeowners.

“When I’m helping building houses, it’s sweat! It’s hard work!” said Brittany Poydras, who is in the process of receiving her own Habitat home. “But being that, after you’re done, and your house is ready—y'all, it’s amazing.”

The effort Poydras describes is known as "sweat equity," a core principle of Habitat for Humanity, in which prospective homeowners help build homes before receiving the keys to their own. Pending approval by the Lafayette Consolidated Government, federal HOME funds could soon help Habitat construct even more homes in the area.

“That addresses a need of peo

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