Cornerstone Creek Officially Debuts Leading Affordable Housing in Oklahoma

Cornerstone Creek Dedication Celebration Video:

I am delighted to share with you a momentous occasion: the official debut of our new haven for affordable housing in Central Oklahoma. On the afternoon of April 2, 2024, we gathered for a groundbreaking and dedication celebration at our latest development at the intersection of N.W. 150th and Morgan Road in Oklahoma City.

This milestone marks one of the most significant events in our organization’s nearly 35-year history. As we unveiled our new affordable housing development, we also had the privilege of honoring the late Dr. David R. Brown through the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation’s generous $1.5 million gift. In recognition of this remarkable contribution, we proudly christened our new addition as “Dr. David R. Brown’s Cornerstone Creek.”

For our event, dedicated Habitat staff and volunteers transformed what was once a dusty steel Quonset hut (formerly used to store agricultural equipment) into an inviting domed auditorium large enough for 100 guests, complete with balloon towers, tasteful displays and Habitat-themed cookies offered on white tablecloth-covered tables.  Attendees also enjoyed a bird’s-eye view of the development through drone footage displayed on a large overhead screen behind the podium. They also had the opportunity to examine several renderings of the addition’s attractive three- to four-bedroom homes with two-car garages.

During the celebration, we paid tribute to the Cornerstone Crew – a group of seasoned volunteers who have steadfastly served Habitat since the devastating tornadoes hit in 1999 in Central Oklahoma. Their ongoing commitment continues to be instrumental to our mission as we seek to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. We also expressed our heartfelt gratitude to COHFH’s Board members, honored guests and donors and our other volunteers for their commitment to Habitat, and to the local media for joining our special event.

Our program featured distinguished Oklahomans who shared their enthusiasm for our large-scale development of 450 energy-efficient and affordable homes that will be built within the next six to eight years. Among the speakers were Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, Marianne Rooney (one of Dr. Brown’s daughters), Ward 1 Oklahoma City Councilman Bradley Carter and Rev. Christopher Yoder. Their presence and inspiring words and prayers contributed to the resounding success of our celebration.

I also shared my personal admiration for Dr. Brown with attendees. Dr. Brown was my personal friend and mentor, as well as a respected orthopedic surgeon and public-policy leader in Oklahoma City. I told the crowd that I could almost imagine Dr. Brown smiling down from above as we named our new addition in his honor. Habitat then unveiled a rendering of the entrance sign emblazoned with the official new name of the development.

Instead of going the usual groundbreaking route of turning over dirt with shovels, we asked our guests to sign a cornerstone set up on a table near the entrance. The signed cornerstone will become part of the entrance sign at our new development. We are very thankful that local TV stations and print media representatives have been so supportive, and they widely shared the story about our new affordable-housing development. As a result, we had a tremendous response in the first few weeks afterwards with more than 100 potential future homeowners calling and sending messages through social media. Several filled out New Home Construction program applications.

My sincere thanks to The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation for their remarkable donation and to all of Dr. Brown’s children who attended. The Foundation’s generous gift will help pay for the completion of Phase I at our new addition.

As we move forward toward building the first of 91 homes in Phase I in June 2024, please know that Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity will always feel tremendous gratitude, both for Dr. Brown’s legacy and for the bountiful gift donated through The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation. Thank you again to all our supporters who have and continue to help us so graciously during this transformative journey to provide safe, secure and affordable housing in Central Oklahoma.

Blessings,

Ann Felton Gilliland Chair/CEO