Late last month, Ronnie and Henrietta Brunson made the final payment on their 20-year mortgage for the third Habitat House ever built by volunteers of Habitat Bulloch, completed in 1995.

The Brunsons and staff members of Habitat Bulloch held a small deed-tearing ceremony earlier this month, when Habitat for Humanity of Bulloch County's old deed to the property was destroyed.

It was the fifth Habitat mortgage to be paid off in Bulloch County, according to Marcus Toole, resource development coordinator for Habitat Bulloch. Back in 1995, Habitat homebuyers received a 20-year, interest-free mortgage. Today, Habitat homebuyers receive a 25-year mortgage, with payments of about $450 per month for a three-bedroom home.

Many improvements have been made to the house since the Brunsons took possession of it at a dedication ceremony in March 1995, Toole said. Back then, Habitat houses were a bit simpler than they are now. Since moving in, the Brunsons have added a front porch, a screened back porch and a gazebo. The yard is fully landscaped and manicured.

The Brunsons said they take pride in the home they helped build and then purchased from Habitat for Humanity of Bulloch County. This is one reason why Habitat Bulloch is such an important tool for revitalizing communities, Toole said. Habitat families are highly invested in both their homes and their communities.

From some old photos, Toole said he can tell that Trinity Episcopal Church provided much of the labor for House No. 3, and their rector at the time officiated at the house dedication. Many others contributed as well.

Looking to the future, Habitat Bulloch plans to finish construction on House No. 49 in early October, Toole said. The perspective homeowners of House No. 50 only have about $10,000 left to raise, and plans are set to start work on that home sometime later in October. Also, the Georgia Southern University marching band has committed to partner with Habitat to help raise funds to build House No. 51.