In the mid nineties, Pastor Bennie B. McFarland, along with the Board of Hightime Evangelistic Center, sought to establish an extension of the church which could impact the community by ministering to hurts and needs. As a result, in 1996 Pastor McFarland founded Caleb Community Development Corporation, a faith-based organization. The mission of the newly formed entity was to lift the human condition of disadvantaged persons living throughout metropolitan Baton Rouge. In practical terms, the Founder’s Vision, as articulated during its inception, was to provide affordable housing to low-income persons, facilitate training and development of the entrepreneurial aspirations of economically challenged individuals, education-based programs to equip and empower the poor, and transition housing, counseling, and family support services for persons affected by substance and incarceration.

Along with a core support team from Hightime Evangelistic Center, the Founder sought the services of Byron Turner to head the newly recreated entity. His energy and zeal, coupled with the hard work and Christ-centered disposition of Caleb’s board has resulted in over 100 units of rental housing and over five single-family houses, both rehab and new construction. The organization also provides a host of services, ranging from youth development programs, after-school tutorials, summer enrichment training, computer training courses, individual development account program (a matching funds program to encourage low-income persons to save toward purchasing a home), and home buyers counseling.

As articulated by the Founder, the name “Caleb” was chosen from the Old Testament book of Numbers (13:30-14:24). The Scriptures describe how Moses sent a delegation of men in advance of the Nation of Israel to explore the “promised land”. Their report was critical, in that it would determine the viability of a massive relocation effort for an entire nation. The delegation returned with reports of the agricultural richness of the land. There was, however, a tremendous barrier—the land was occupied by a hostile band of giants. The news of the giants brought a sense of resignation over the assembly—that is, until a man named Caleb stilled the multitude with a gutsy affirmation, “Let us go up at once—because we are well able to possess it!” The text states of Caleb, he entered the land of promise because he had “different spirit”. Thus, Pastor McFarland chose the name Caleb as a reminder that this organization can possess the promises others fear to claim.

Plans are also underway for providing transition housing, rehabilitation services, and support systems for inmates returning to society. Long term goals include the creation of advocacy-based empowerment extensions, social and health awareness seminars.