INDIANAPOLIS — A Hoosier veteran helped break ground on his family's new home in Lawrence on Tuesday — a home that will be mortgage-free.
In less than five months, an empty lot in the 11000 block of Melnick Lane, near East 46th Street and North German Church Road, will be turned into a brand-new home for retired Sgt. Timothy Duffin and his family.
"It's a blessing, is what it is. Like I feel blessed," Duffin said.
Duffin and his family were joined by the nonprofit Building Homes for Heroes and Lennar Construction. Together, they helped make this once-in-a-lifetime gift possible.
The Duffin family will move into their new home and neighborhood without paying any mortgage at all, thanks to the nonprofit.
Duffin joined the Army in 2007 and served until he was hit with an IED explosion, which caused nerve damage in his brain.
His career doing tours overseas was then cut short. While service on the frontlines may be over, these organizations are now working to serve him with a gift of a lifetime.
"The pressure it is to try and rebuild something from nothing," Duffin said. "To be able to look at my kids and say 'These walls ain't going anywhere' means something."
The home is expected to be completed by Christmas.
