Family Chooses the Right Path — and Finds New Home with Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity

OKLAHOMA CITY —Before learning about Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity (COHFH), Juan F.L. and his wife, Ma De Jesús G.D., were nearly persuaded by a real estate representative to make what Juan describes as a “risky investment.”

The man encouraged Juan to inflate his income on paper to qualify for a mortgage. Instead, Juan and his family turned to prayer for guidance. Their tax preparer soon told them about the COHFH program—built on faith and hard work—and now their prayers are being answered as they prepare to attend the dedication of their new, energy-efficient home at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in Cornerstone Creek, Oklahoma City.

Juan shared in his New Home Construction program application that, without Habitat, buying a new home would be extremely difficult for many hardworking families who need a little support to build a better future.

“We are a Latino Catholic family who attends Little Flower Catholic Church, and we truly see this experience as a blessing from God,” Juan said. “We prayed and sought guidance, and the right people came into our lives at the right time—leading us to Habitat. We believe this is no coincidence, but part of a greater plan.”

The F.L. family moved from Mexico to the United States about four years ago. Since then, Juan has worked as a tree-trimmer, Ma De Jesús is a homemaker, and their oldest child, Ivette, 24, has graduated from college and now works in accounting in Chicago. Their son Daniel, 20, attends college and works as a restaurant server, while their youngest, Jorge Pedro, 11, attends Belle Isle Enterprise Middle School.

Juan said the process of applying for COHFH’s New Home Construction program was straightforward, and the family is excited to move into their new home, possibly this weekend.

“We have always worked hard in pursuit of a better future, and finding Habitat was a huge turning point for us,” he said. “It gave us hope and reminded us that we are not alone in this journey.”

The F.L. family’s house is the 1,142nd home built by Habitat since 1990. COHFH Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland said the New Home Construction program allows qualified homeowners to purchase their homes at cost and without a down payment, while contributing 100 required volunteer hours to help build their own and others’ homes.

“Homeownership provides a supportive community and increased stability, strengthens security and improves educational outcomes and opportunities for homeowners’ children,” Felton Gilliland said. “We have about 35 families now living in Cornerstone Creek, our newest and largest affordable-housing development. We’re also working on the next phase of our developmental construction plan—Phase II, which involves building the infrastructure needed for 210 new homes.”

She encouraged the community to help make that vision possible.

“Your investment today will help us expand the promise of Cornerstone Creek to help hundreds more limited- to moderate-income families become first-time homeowners,” Felton Gilliland said. “No amount is too small—every 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.