Courtney Dickson and Tracy Campbell, who received new homes through Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program, speak during a dedication ceremony on Thursday, March 28. Pictured, from left, are Dickson’s daughter, Chloe; Dickson; and Campbell.

Text, Photos, and Video
By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

CLAYPOOL — A dedication ceremony for two homes built by Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County was held in Claypool on March 28 for new homeowners Courtney Dickson and Tracy Campbell.

The two homes are neighboring properties located at 411 S. Graceland Ave., with the property donated to Habitat by the town of Claypool. Habitat volunteers and board members, along with Dickson and Campbell’s family and friends, were in attendance for the ceremony.

Affordable housing was difficult to come by for Dickson and her six-year-old daughter, Chloe. Prior to home ownership, the two stayed with relatives who live more than 30 minutes away from where they work and go to school. They shared a room together in the home.

“I just want to acknowledge the unbelievable amount of love and selflessness that went into making this all a reality,” said Dickson. “So much went into making these houses and we could not be more grateful.”

Campbell and her 13-year-old son, Kane, lived in a three-bedroom trailer that fell into major disrepair, with mold and pests present in their home.

“I appreciate each and every one of you and all your hard work that went into these homes,” said Campbell to those in attendance. “I never thought this would happen. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Dickson and Campbell were both approved for Habitat’s homeownership program in August 2022. As part of this program, each adult in the household is required to put in 250 hours of work with Habitat. This includes attending financial and homeownership classes, as well as working at the build site and at Habitat’s ReSale Outlet.

Habitat broke ground on the two homes in March 2023, marking the first build season with two simultaneous builds. Construction was completed two weeks prior to the ceremony. For 2023, 243 volunteers put 2,489 hours of work into the homes, with 169 donors making the project possible.

Denny Wilson, Warsaw Community Church’s senior pastor, blessed the new homes for the families. Ben Logan, Habitat’s executive director, presented Dickson and Campbell with the keys to their houses.

Prior to being presented with their keys, the families were gifted Habitat-themed Christmas ornaments and Bibles.

“It’s been an awesome journey, meeting people, working on the house, working at the Habitat store,” said Campbell. “It’s all been an awesome experience. I’ve got a lot of support.”

Campbell said her favorite part of her new home is her bedroom.

“I’ve been sleeping in a living room in a chair,” said Campbell. “I haven’t had a bed to lay in or my own personal space. Now, I get to build memories in my own home with my family.”

“Having our own space is so nice,” said Dickson. “We’re not going to know what to do with all this space, it’s amazing.”

For future Habitat projects, Logan said Habitat is currently working to raise funds for a home in Mentone. Those interested in volunteering or donating can visit Habitat’s website.