HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — We thank our veterans for their service every day in Central Georgia, but some face challenges when they return to civilian life.
One disabled, Warner Robins veteran encourages others who were once in his shoes to take the help that's offered.
Brandon Waters says having a home provided by Habitat for Humanity is a blessing as a single dad to three boys.
"It's important to have your own space and have a good area to grow up in," he said.
After graduating from Northside High School in 2012, Waters enlisted in the army before returning home in 2018.
"I had been gone for six years so coming back to my parent's house with three kids-- it was packed!" he said.
Waters was going through a divorce at the time and needed space for himself and his kids.
At the time, the six of them were living in a 1-bedroom-1-bathroom, 850 square-foot home.
"Mornings for school were pretty hectic," Waters said. "My parents were trying to get ready for work while I was getting the kids ready for school."
Then, the Houston County Habitat for Humanity stepped in.
Waters said his supervisor at his old job asked him a serious question: "Are you ready to be a homeowner?"
He said he replied without any hesitance and then was directed to the information for the Veteran Housing Application.
Within a couple of days, Waters said he attended the informational meeting Habitat for Humanity holds annually for folks interested in becoming homeowners.
From there, he filled out the required forms and saved them. In spring 2023, Waters got the call about his approval for the home.
"I remember passing by it at first, and it was nothing, but woods," he said.. "It was nothing but sticks and stones!"
Waters said he had to complete 200 volunteer hours with Habitat for Humanity. 100 of those were spent on building the home and the other half were in the ReStore on Moody Road.
Program Services and Volunteer Coordinator Tiffany Dupree said the non-profit's goal is to help the folks in need help themselves so that they can better help others in need.
After seeing how great Waters was at maintenance, Dupree said the organization hired him on as a full-time lighting specialist.
Waters said his favorite part of his journey, so far, is helping others.
"Helping the community, it's giving back to the people," he said. "Once you help that person and see that relief on their face it's kind of like what they gave me."
"We give low-income families a community a hand up, not a handout," Dupree said.
"It's a great pressure off of my shoulders to actually have a roof over my head-- that's mine!" Waters said.
He said he is especially grateful for every hand that helped make his homeowner dreams come true.
"Thank God, thank God, " Waters said. "It's truly a blessing."
To request an application, contact programservices@hocohabitat.org.
Folks must meet the following requirements to apply:
- Lived in Houston County for 1 Year
- Ability to pay mortgage of $600 - $800
- Currently living in substandard or rent burden housing
- Must be a veteran with DD214