Pictured, from left, Andrea Wagner, Dan Kuhn and Connor Wagner.

WARSAW — Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County held a home dedication at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at 417 Godman Street, Warsaw.

Andrea Wagner and her 11-year-old son, Connor, are the new homeowners. For Wagner, this is the realization of a lifelong dream. Wagner has never owned a home. Even as a child, her family lived in a rented space. After she got married, Wagner moved around a lot as a military wife.

Wagner is a divorcee and a breast cancer survivor who works two part-time jobs and takes care of her son, Connor, who is autistic. The two were living in an apartment that was beyond what Wagner could afford, as she attempted to provide stability, safety and cleanliness for her son. The monthly mortgage payments on their new home will be significantly lower than what Wagner currently pays for rent.

Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit Christian housing ministry that was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller. It is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide. Habitat for Humanity International has grown to more than 2,100 affiliates in more than 100 countries, including all 50 states in the U.S.

Josh Weiland, vice chairman, Habitat Board of Directors, performed the welcome and introductions.

Weiland informed those in attendance that although Habitat for Humanity does help to provide housing for those in need, it is not a giveaway. He stated it involves sweat equity and work on the part of the homeowner and ability to repay the mortgage so that Habitat for Humanity can continue to assist others. Weiland discussed the amount of sweat equity that Wagner and others have put into the Godman Street house. Wagner feels this helped make the home feel more like hers.

“I can point to it and say, ‘I put shingles on that house’.”

Pastor Scott Niveen, Warsaw Community Church, Warsaw, read scripture and Pastor Mike Mueller, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Warsaw, performed the blessing of the house. Mueller stated that inside the house, in one of the closets, were two handmade quilts for Wagner and her son, from Redeemer Lutheran Church. Wagner said someone must know her very well because she loves quilts. St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, Warsaw, provided a “welcome” mat and household items. Weiland, on behalf of Habitat, presented Wagner with a new Bible.

Wagner tearfully thanked those in attendance, saying, “I have thought all day and I just asked God to give me the words to say to express how much this means for me and for my son. When I look out here and see the friends and family who have been here helping me – I enjoyed working with every single one of you. I just didn’t think it was possible and you’ve all helped make this possible. I am so grateful for every single person standing here.”

Wagner expressed her appreciation for Mickey Kaufman, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County, and her husband, David, construction supervisor for Habitat, Kosciusko. Wagner appeared choked up as she stated, “Mickey and David have made this possible. In the two years they have been here they have transformed Habitat for Humanity in this county. Mickey was always there and she was my rock when I was scared and felt like I should pull out.”

David Kaufman spoke at the home dedication ceremony, thanking the volunteers for their assistance. One of those volunteers was Dan Kuhn, former Warsaw Community High School teacher. It was reported that Kuhn was there working on the house every day.

Kuhn was humble, pointing out that there were other volunteers who work full time jobs and still made time to help. Kuhn said that since he is retired he wants to stay busy, stating, “Habitat for Humanity is the best thing for me.”

Although the home is up, work on the yard and driveway is expected to be completed this spring.

Ken Locke from Greater Warsaw Ministerial Association, Warsaw, gave closing statements.