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By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

MENTONE — Kimber Boyd said she and her family have had a difficult past year.

That’s why moving into her new home in Mentone built by Kosciusko County Habitat for Humanity is a “blessing,” she said.

Boyd, her mother, Patty Bumgardner, and four daughters, 18-year-old Nicole, 12-year-old Aubrey, 11-year-old Lexi, and 7-year-old Izzy, were set to move into the house at 401 N. Franklin St., on Saturday, Feb. 8.

Habitat had a dedication ceremony for the house on Friday, Feb. 7. Following the event at Mentone Town Hall, people could tour the home.

Kosciusko County Habitat for Humanity had a dedication ceremony for its 38th home on Friday, Feb. 7, that of Kimber Boyd, her four daughters and mother in Mentone. Here, Kosciusko County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Ben Logan, right, gives the keys for the home to Boyd, in the yellow shirt. Boyd’s daughters, Lexi, to her left, and Izzy, are also shown. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.

Ground was broken for the building on May 30, 2024. Panels for it were constructed during a special build put on by Wildman, Boyd’s company, in July, the first time Kosciusko County Habitat for Humanity has done such an event.

Kosciusko County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Ben Logan noted during the Friday ceremony the home was closed on approximately two hours earlier.

The about 1,350-square-foot house has four bedrooms and two baths with a shed.

To qualify for the home, Boyd had to compete 250 hours of community service through Habitat. She now has “an affordable mortgage” on it, said Logan.

He noted the building was an upgrade from their previous house, which had “black mold, faulty appliances, a troublesome landlord and things like that.”

“We hope this is a blessing to them,” added Logan. “We’re excited to be in Mentone. It’s a great community.”

Logan, right, also gave Boyd a special Christmas ornament. With him are from left Lexi, Boyd, Aubrey and Izzy. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.

He noted Tim and Jackie Croy donated the property for the home as well as for a second Habitat home to be built near the Boyd house.

“We’re just glad that me and my wife could be in the position where we could actually give back to our community,” said Tim. “That’s what we’re about, helping the community. I’m so happy for Kimber and looking forward to house No. 2.”

Boyd’s home is Kosciusko County Habitat for Humanity’s 38th home since the organization started in the county in 1991.

Logan noted construction is ongoing at the organization’s 39th home at Lyon and Ellsworth Streets in Warsaw, with another home to be built in Warsaw and the house near the Boyd home in Mentone also on the horizon.

“We have some big plans, trying to build three homes a year, and we’re not letting anything get in our way,” said Logan.

Kosciusko County Habitat for Humanity received $30,000 on Friday from Creighton Brothers President Mindy Creighton Truex, given through the Creighton Brothers Charitable Fund at the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.

During the ceremony, a blessing on the home was prayed by Boyd’s pastor at Sweetwater Assembly of God in North Manchester, Jeremy Jones. A closing prayer was done by David Allbritten with Warsaw Community Church, who served as Boyd’s mentor during the home-building process.

Boyd, left, is shown with Wildman Director of Dream Management Audrey Russell during the ceremony. Boyd works for Wildman. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.

WCC gave Boyd and her family Bibles, with Logan presenting Boyd with the keys to the home and a special Christmas ornament. Wildman Director of Dream Management Audrey Russell also spoke briefly.

Boyd also spoke, noting the “personal challenges” she and her family have had over the last year.

“Just to see everybody come together from my work and just all the people from my church and just all the surrounding of love has been amazing,” she said.

“Habitat is a blessing, and if you can, get involved, because the difference it can make in someone’s life, you don’t know how much it can change (them),” added Boyd.