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(New Video Highlights) Mother Who Strengthen Families Helps Build Stability for Her Own Family
Marisa H and Daughter New Homeowners
Marisa H., a nonprofit supervisor and a devoted single mom, has worked hard to ensure that her little daughter has the same shot at the happy childhood she had growing up. They celebrate their new Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity home dedication at 2 p.m. TODAY, Nov. 6, in Cornerstone Creek, Oklahoma City.
Sunbeam Family Services Family Engagement Supervisor Marisa H. will celebrate the dedication of her new Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity home at 2 p.m. today in Cornerstone Creek.
Video Highlights: Click here.
For the past three years, Marisa H. has dedicated her days to serving families in need as a Family Engagement Supervisor at Sunbeam Family Services. Today, her efforts to secure, build and establish a better future for her own family come full circle when she celebrates the dedication of her new Habitat home in Cornerstone Creek.
Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity (COHFH) staff, local clergy and community members will join Marisa at 2 p.m. TODAY, Nov. 6, at her new home in Cornerstone Creek, Oklahoma City.
In her New Home Construction application, Marisa stated that as a single parent, she’s worked hard to create stability and opportunity for her daughter, who turns 10 in early December.
“As a renter, I’ve experienced the ongoing uncertainty that comes with not having control over where we live,” Marisa said. “A landlord can decide to sell the property or raise the rent beyond what’s affordable. That instability makes it difficult to feel truly settled or secure, especially as a parent.”
Through Habitat, future homeowners secure a regular mortgage, help build their own and others’ homes through COHFH’s required 100 volunteer hours and buy their new homes at cost and without a down payment.
Marisa stated that homeownership is both deeply personal and profoundly generational.
“Owning a home will offer long-term stability and peace of mind that comes with knowing we have a place to call our own,” she stated. “Rather than putting money into rent each month, I will be investing in a future for myself and my daughter.”
She stated her goal has always been to give her daughter the same kind of childhood she experienced growing up.
“I’ve worked hard to give my daughter a childhood filled with neighborhood friendships, bike rides, walks outside and a real sense of pride in where we live,” she said. “Although she’s turning 10 soon, there is still so much time to give her that experience. A Habitat home gives us a foundation to grow, to dream bigger and feel secure, something every child and parent deserves.”
Marisa proudly describes her daughter as kind, talented and driven. Kylar has competed in USATF Junior Olympics for three consecutive years and earned superior ratings at State piano contests.
“Her dedication inspires me every day,” Marisa wrote. “I want her to stay rooted in a supportive community, build lasting friendships and focus on her future without the disruption that often comes with renting. This is my chance to show her what hard work and perseverance can accomplish.”
Marisa said she approaches both her work and her homeownership journey with commitment and gratitude.
“I believe in showing up and being part of something bigger than myself,” she said. “I want to stay flexible, dependable and fully engaged throughout the journey, doing everything I can to honor this opportunity and show that I am worthy of the trust being placed in me.”
COHFH Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland said Marisa and Kylar’s new home will be Habitat’s 1,144th house built since 1990. They will be the 40th family to purchase a home in Cornerstone Creek.
“We’re getting closer to wrapping up building our 91 homes designated for Phase I of our Cornerstone Creek construction plan,” Felton Gilliland said. “We hope to soon move onto Phase II — 211 new, energy-efficient geothermal homes – but we need the public’s help with donations to create the needed infrastructure first. Please consider giving generously.”
To learn more or get involved:
To get involved with Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity, visit www.cohfh.org or call 405-232-4828.
To volunteer, visit www.helpmyhabitat.com. To donate, visit www.cohfh.org/make-a-donation or text makehomehappen to 50155.
To get involved with COHFH, visit www.cohfh.org or call 405-232-4828.
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.
