Video: Winston County Woman Is Welcomed Back Home After 6 Months

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WINSTON COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Welcome home.

It’s been six months since one Winston County woman could say that.

Today, thanks to volunteer organizations, she is receiving the keys to her new place.

“And this is not just a new house, it’s a new home,” said new homeowner, Anna Belle Watkins.

For Anna Belle Watkins, this new home symbolizes more than just a place to live.

Built by WinstonStrong and the Mennonite Disaster Service, hours of volunteer labor were put into the house.

On April 28th, Watkins lost everything.

“I looked around and there wasn’t a wall, anything but foundation and the bathtub. I said, ‘well, it was just material stuff,'” said Watkins.

That’s when Disaster relief organizations stepped in. It was the help she needed.

She chose to rebuild in the same spot that she has called home for years.

“Some people say ‘why would you put it in the same spot?’ Because that’s where it belongs,” said Watkins.

For WinstonStrong, Watkins’ new home is the first to be completed and dedicated.

“This is a blessed day, It’s a beautiful day, the Lord has given us sunshine and it’s a wonderful thing to see a homeowner. She can now begin rebuilding her life,” said the Executive Director of WinstonStrong, Mike Dowd.

Mennonite Disaster Service began construction just two months ago. Their volunteer work is designed to help those who lose homes in natural disasters.

“It’s hard to imagine one day you have a home, all your personal belongings, vehicles and the next day you have nothing. If we were in that situation, we just pray that there would be others that would come help us,” said Earl Bouder, with the Mennonite Disaster Service.

After 6 months, Watkins has come home.

WinstonStrong is in need of funds and volunteers. For information 0n how to donate to WinstonStrong, visit their website at www.winstonstrong.org