Dual Habitat Home Dedication Tomorrow in Cornerstone Creek

Two local families say they have plenty to be thankful for this Thanksgiving and plan to share their joy during a dual-home dedication with Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity (COHFH) at 2 p.m. TOMORROW, Nov. 20, in Cornerstone Creek, Oklahoma City.

The dual-home dedication will be held at the new Habitat home of Taneiqua H. in COHFH’s newest and largest affordable housing development, Cornerstone Creek. Taneiqua is an account manager at iThrive and has three sons: Preston, age 10, Quinton, 19, and Cameron, 15. Taneiqua, who attended Northwest Classen High School, works for a financial services company. She wrote in her New Home Construction application that, as a single mother, she needs more space for her growing sons.

“This home will provide more space and will give my family a place they know they can come back to when they get older,” Taneiqua stated. “I believe becoming a homeowner will help with my goal of creating generational wealth.”

A second blessing will take place immediately afterward at the new Habitat house owned by Cade S., located next door. Cade S., 23, said he’s excited about moving into his safe, secure and energy-efficient home. The young aircraft/helicopter mechanic said his family lives in Piedmont, Oklahoma, and that he’s happy to be purchasing a Habitat home near them and the town where he grew up.

“As I started my career, it’s been challenging to save up enough money for a down payment while managing other basic living expenses,” Cade said. “I lived in Colorado Springs for over a year, but I’ve since moved back to be close to my family. I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to live near Piedmont.

“Being close to family means a lot to me, and it is one of the main reasons I’m excited about becoming a homeowner in this area.”

Cade’s mother, Dorothy Joy R., is a technology teacher who taught at Piedmont High School, and Craig R. is his stepfather. Cade credits a high school counselor for guiding him into the aviation field. He graduated from Canadian Valley Technology Center before working as an aviation mechanic for SkyWest Airlines in Colorado. He now does similar work locally on helicopters for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Cade said he first learned about the COHFH New Home Construction program from his stepbrother, Aaron R., and quickly applied.

“My Mom was all for it when I applied to buy a home through Central Oklahoma Habitat,” Cade said. “I’ve been by the new house a few times and it looks great. I never dreamed I’d be a homeowner so soon; it has been such a blessing!”

The dual-home dedication celebrations mark Habitat’s 1,145th and 1,146th new houses built since 1990. COHFH Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland said each homeowner’s story is unique, but the joy of homeownership remains the same.

“We are deeply grateful for every volunteer, donor and partner who helps make these new beginnings possible,” Felton Gilliland said. “During this holiday season, we welcome supporters to continue to help us build homes and hope in Central Oklahoma. Please consider donating to Habitat by texting MAKEHOMEHAPPEN to 50155 or by calling us today at 405-232-4828.”