Family realizes dream of owning their own home

The Watkins family of Greencastle recently paid off their home they received through Putnam County Habitat for Humanity in April 1995. It took less than a year for the house to be built by volunteers.

A little more than 13 years ago, David and Tina Watkins received a home through Putnam County Habitat for Humanity.

Today, they can officially call it their home.

In May, the couple made their final mortgage payment. "Relief" was the word David used to describe his feeling as the last payment was made.

"We are thankful for the privilege of owning a home," he said.

David and Tina have four children. The family of six was squeezed into a tiny, one and one-half bedroom trailer on 36 acres before Habitat for Humanity gave them the opportunity to own the 1,200 square-foot, four-bedroom home in which they now reside.

DeDe Black, a volunteer for Habitat, attended church with the Watkins and helped them apply for their Habitat home.

"The timing was perfect for us to be accepted into the program," said Tina.

The Watkins were the fifth family to move into one of the several surrounding Habitat homes. They are the only family in the area so far to have reached the dream of being a certified homeowner.

"We appreciated the help (of everyone)," David said with a smile.

They have raised their four children, Michael, 14, Crystal "Lynn," 16, Stephanie, 17 and Danielle "Nicole," 21 in the home on Avenue E in Greencastle.

"Congratulations to them on their hard work and using this opportunity to create a great family home," said Marj Weaver, executive director for Putnam County Habitat for Humanity.

With their house now paid in full, David and Tina plan to one day return to the peace and quiet of the country.

"David and Tina Watkins have truly followed the precepts of Putnam County Habitat for Humanity," said Weaver.

Habitat -- through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials -- builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowners. The houses are sold at no profit and financed with affordable loans.

The organization's Web site said mortgage lengths could vary from seven to 30 years. It also said the monthly payments are then used to build more Habitat homes.

Families that would like to be considered for the program can call the Putnam County Habitat for Humanity at 653-5360.