From Struggle to Stability: Central Oklahoma Habitat Welcomes 1,143rd Homeowner

Rita N. says she has worked hard and faced many struggles throughout her life, including before moving to the United States from Cameroon, a Central African country, about six years ago. Now, she works as a certified nursing assistant at Veraden Senior Living in Edmond and enjoys having several of her adult children and grandchildren living nearby. The one thing she said was missing was “a home of my own.”

Rita’s wish to buy a new, safe and energy-efficient home will come true when she celebrates the dedication of her new Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity (COHFH) house in Cornerstone Creek on Halloween. She will join Habitat staff, local clergy and community members at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, for the ceremony.

“I realized having a home of my own is a great start for a stable life here,” Rita wrote in her New Home Construction Program application. “Coming across Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity is one of the best things to happen to me. This program made my dream come true much faster than I expected — and it is more affordable, too.”

Rita said she plans to live with her 4-year-old granddaughter, Purity N.

“I’m so glad I’ll be sharing this milestone with her,” Rita said. “I’ve had so many struggles in my life, and this feels like a reward for all the hard work I’ve put in. I hope many others will follow my footsteps and experience how Habitat can change their lives.”

COHFH Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland said Rita’s new home will be Habitat’s 1,143rd house built since 1990. The grandmother and granddaughter will become the 39th family to purchase a home in Cornerstone Creek.

“We’re wrapping up construction on the 91 homes designated for Phase I of our Cornerstone Creek plan,” Felton Gilliland said. “Next, we’ll begin Phase II — 211 new, energy-efficient geothermal homes. But we need more funding for infrastructure — concrete, roads, waterways and more — to keep our momentum going.

“It’s not glamorous to ask for help with things like sewer lines, but it’s essential for the future of this community. I encourage everyone to give generously to help ensure more affordable housing across Central Oklahoma. Remember, every little bit helps!”

To learn more or get involved:
Visit: www.cohfh.org
Volunteer: www.helpmyhabitat.com
Donate: www.cohfh.org/make-a-donation
Text: MAKEHOMEHAPPEN to 50155 to give now.