Visit Cornerstone Creek
Media Release: Young Couple’s Sacrifice and Teamwork Lead to Habitat Homeownership
Navaeh R and Juan
CUTLINE 2: Juan B. and Nevaeh R. celebrate becoming first-time homeowners on the porch of their new Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity home in Cornerstone Creek.
Nevaeh R. and her husband, Juan B., are a married couple in their mid-20s who understand that building a better future requires sacrifice, careful planning and teamwork. Their commitment paid off Thursday, July 16, when they became homeowners with the help of Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity (COHFH).
The young couple celebrated the dedication of their new, energy-efficient Habitat home in Cornerstone Creek with COHFH staff, community members, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Bishop Billy Castillo, family and friends.
During the dedication, they received several gifts, including an engraved Bible from the Order of the Daughters of the King at All Souls’ Episcopal Church, a welcome mat from the Edmond Board of Realtors and an engraved cutting board from SWBC Mortgage. Habitat Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland also presented the couple with a $50 gift certificate from Habitat’s ReStores.
CUTLINE: Nevaeh and Juan hug Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland during their home dedication on July 16, 2026, in Cornerstone Creek.
Nevaeh, a manager at Target, said she and Juan became high school sweethearts while attending Putnam City High and married two years ago. She wrote in her New Home Construction program application that she worked while Juan attended the University of Oklahoma.
“My husband was a full-time college student, so we were living with his family in their Habitat home to save money on rent and bills,” Nevaeh said. “We’ve been focused on saving for his education and paying off his student loan.”
Their sacrifice paid off when Juan graduated from OU in May. He has already completed an internship with Weaver, an accounting firm in Oklahoma City, where he is expected to begin working full-time in January 2027. He also plans to earn a master’s degree in accounting and become a CPA. Nevaeh also plans to begin pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting, possibly next year.
As for now, Nevaeh and Juan are busy unpacking and helping their two beloved cats, Charlie and Aurora, settle into their new home.
“As a young couple, we want to start building our own family,” Nevaeh said. “We are first-time homebuyers and have seen how Habitat has been a huge blessing to our relatives. We also love the idea of serving the community. This home will give us stability, peace of mind and a place where we can truly grow together.”
Felton Gilliland said Nevaeh and Juan’s home is COHFH’s 1,170th new home built since 1990.
“Nevaeh and Juan are wonderful examples of how hard work, sacrifice and shared goals can move a young family forward,” Felton Gilliland said. “Habitat homeownership is helping them turn that hard work into a lasting foundation for their future.”
ABOUT CENTRAL OKLAHOMA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
COHFH builds new, energy-efficient and affordable homes in central Oklahoma. Habitat homeowners help build their homes, complete homeowner education classes and purchase their homes at cost with no down payment. To donate, text MAKEHOMEHAPPEN to 50155 or call 405-232-4828. For more information, visit www.cohfh.org.
