Wildman Director of Dream Management Audrey Russell, future home owner Kimber Boyd and Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County Ben Logan are shown from left at a panel build for Habitat on Friday, July 12.

Text and Photos
By Madison Hart
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Habitat for Humanity did its first-ever panel build in Kosciusko County at Wildman on Friday, July 12.

A panel build entails assembling the interior and exterior walls of a home in sections in a sponsor’s parking lot and then raising and temporarily fastening the walls of the home.

“You can actually walk through the house,” said Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County Executive Director Ben Logan.

Metzger Property Services was to carry the house structure to Mentone, where the home’s eventual permanent address will be at 401 N. Franklin St.

When asked about the process of getting Wildman volunteers involved, Wildman Director of Dream Management Audrey Russell said, “It was not hard.

“Ben made it easy,” said Russell. “I just had to get people to sign up. It’s been amazing to watch this process. To see our team come together for Kimber has been — ”

” — Speechless. Amazing. Blessing,” interjected home recipient Kimber Boyd.

“Wildman’s vision is to radically change lives, and that’s what we’re doing here,” said Russell.

Boyd has done around 130 of her 250 hours of volunteer hours at Habitat for Humanity. She said the process has taught her a lot.

“It’s been a really tough year, but everything has just come together. The support I’ve gotten (has been a blessing),” said Boyd.

Russell concluded by saying she encourages other businesses to participate in panel builds, and it’s a great way to build teamwork while bringing awareness to the community of what can happen when people come together.

Wildman volunteers at the panel build.