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Christmas Comes Early: Three Central Oklahoma Habitat Families Receive Keys to New Homes
Ann Hugs Oldest Son
COHFH Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland shares a joyful moment with Yohanes, Roman K.’s oldest son, during the family’s surprise home dedication Monday in Cornerstone Creek.
OKLAHOMA CITY –Imagine thinking you’re going to a party, only to walk through the front door and find your family has a brand-new home waiting for you. That was the reality for three local children just days before Christmas.
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Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity’s (COHFH) “Christmas Comes Early” campaign wrapped up with three home dedications held Dec. 18, 19 and 22 at Cornerstone Creek in Oklahoma City. The campaign highlights Habitat’s mission to expand access to affordable homeownership in Central Oklahoma.
The Roman K. family’s reveal was a heartwarming highlight. Roman and her husband, Ayalew A., emigrated from Ethiopia more than nine years ago and worked steadily toward homeownership while raising three children. Roman is a head custodian with Edmond Public Schools, and Ayalew drives for Uber. For years, the family lived in a two-bedroom apartment in Oklahoma City.
In her Habitat application, Roman wrote that finances had kept homeownership out of reach.
“My children ask me every day, ‘When will we have a house?’ — they wish they could have their own rooms,” she said. “We have thought of buying a house before, but due to some difficulties in our lives, we weren’t able to, but glory to God, the time has come and we are grateful to Habitat.”
After completing 100 hours of sweat equity with COHFH’s New Home Construction program, the couple kept the purchase a secret from their children until just before Christmas.
When Yohanes, 11; Maramawit, 8; and Michael, 5, arrived Monday afternoon, they thought they were attending a party. Instead, they were greeted by their parents, Habitat staff, community supporters and local media. COHFH Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland welcomed the children and shared the news that their parents had purchased a home for them. Michael, the youngest, accepted the keys during the ceremony.
The children said they were stunned at first by the surprise.
“My mom wanted to keep it a secret and told us we were going to an adult party,” Yohanes said. “When I came in, I thought it was an interview of something, but when she told me about the house, I was really shocked.”
Maramawit said she felt confused at first. “I got a little anxious,” she said. Both children were thrilled to tour their new bedrooms.
Similar dedications were held last week for the Tania A. family and the Manuela Y. family. Felton Gilliland said the Roman K. family’s home is COHFH’s 1,149th house built since 1990.
“There’s plenty for our partner families to celebrate this holiday season,” she said. “Cornerstone Creek homeowners can buy new, affordable and energy-efficient homes, and their children can attend Piedmont’s excellent schools.”
Felton Gilliland said year-end donations are critical as COHFH addresses the local housing crisis.
“Research shows that stable, affordable homeownership improves educational outcomes for children, household health and financial resilience,” she said. “We now have 35 families living in Cornerstone Creek, but we need more funding for Phase II to install the infrastructure needed for 210 additional homes.”
In addition to the Roman K. family, the Tania A. and Manuela Y. families celebrated their home dedications as part of the Christmas Comes Early campaign.
Donations can be made by texting GIFTOFHOME to 50155 or by calling 405-232-4828
Roman K children arrive.
From left are Roman K.'s children, Maramawit, 8; Yohanes, 11; and Michael, 5, escorted by family friends Mimi Askale and Begib Younis to what they thought was a party.
Tania A, , Central Oklahoma Habitat Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland and Tania's mother, Tercicia T.
New Habitat Homeowner Tania A., a Floor and Décor interior designer, and her mother, Tercicia T., celebrated with COHFH Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland and community members during Tania’s home dedication on Dec. 19. Tania said she is excited to make new memories with her mother at their new home.
Manuela Y, her son, Angel K., and husband, Marcel, listen to prayers during their home dedication.
Manuela Y. adjusts her son, Angel K.’s hat, while her husband, Marcel, looks on, during Manuela’s home dedication celebration with Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity. The celebration was Thursday, Dec. 18, at her new house in Cornerstone Creek.
