The new home of Jim and Tina Bauer, Courtesy of Habitat for Humanity.

WARSAW — Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County held a home dedication Sunday, Sept. 29.

Jim and Tina Bauer were the recipients of the new home on South Columbia Street in Warsaw. The Bauers are long-time residents of Kosciusko county, according to a news release from the local Habitat office.

After serving in the National Guard for nine years, Jim Bauer worked as a carpenter and a maintenance worker before being put on disability. Today, he is primarily homebound but manages to volunteer around the community when he is able.

Tina Bauer works as a full-time custodian at Edgewood Middle School.

Outside of work, the Bauers enjoy camping, fishing and canning fresh tomatoes. They spend time with their three children and eight grandchildren.

Jim Bauer’s favorite tradition is “sitting at church in the front row with my wife,” said Bauer.

However, the quality of their living situation has long unequaled the quality of their character.

From left, Tina and Jim Bauer.

The Bauers lost their home of over 10 years in the financial recession of 2008. For seven years, the couple lived in a rundown apartment in Winona Lake that was ill-suited to their needs, the news release said.

According to the news release, the two-floor apartment had a structurally questionable stairway and railing, making it difficult on the couple’s mobility. Tina Bauer has trouble with her feet. Jim Bauer has issues with his knees.

The apartment lacked adequate heating and cooling during the winter and summer months.

“In the wintertime, we froze to death, and in the summer[time] we sweat to death,” said Jim Bauer.

After four years of frustration, they decided to contact Habitat for Humanity.

A friend encouraged the couple to apply. They were accepted a few months after meeting with a Habitat for Humanity representative at a local church.

Guests look on as Habitat for Humanity dedicated a new house Sunday, Sept. 29.

The new home on South Columbia Street provides peace of mind for the Bauers. The couple loves having something of their own without worrying over whether they might be evicted. They intend to spend time at the new house by planting a garden, befriending the neighbors, and hosting church friends.

The couple enjoyed being a part of the Habitat process. It is an experience that will stick with them for life, said the Bauers.

Sunday’s home dedication ceremony featured introductions by Roger Stichter, treasurer and member of the Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors; a blessing of the house by Kip Cone, pastor of Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church; a message of thanks by Tina and Jim Bauer; and a closing prayer by Jeff Pfeifer, pastor of Warsaw Community Church.

The construction of the Bauers’ home was made possible by organizations such as Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, Kosciusko County Board of Realtors, Inc. and Tippy Creek Winery.