OKC Police Team Up with ‘Faith and Blue’ to Help Fulfill Dreams for Habitat Homeowners

Iris S. (second from left, second row), family and friends during home dedication with Habitat.

On Friday, March 7, 2025, Iris S. celebrated a life-changing milestone: the dedication of her Central Oklahoma Habitat home. The Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD) graced the event with Chief Ron C. Bacy and Capt. Michelle Henderson, reflecting the department’s dedication to the Faith & Blue initiative in fostering community ties.

Located in Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland hosted the celebration and acted as MC. She said the dedication also honored the mission of National Faith & Blue Weekend, a faith-based initiative that brings together law enforcement and religious leaders to promote harmony, reconciliation, and collaboration.

(L-R) OKCPD Chief Ron C. Bacy and Capt. Michelle Henderson stand on the driveway of the home Iris S., her sister and daughter will soon move into Central Oklahoma Habitat’s Cornerstone Creek.

“We are so grateful to Capt. Henderson, who has led OKCPD’s Faith & Blue involvement for the past five years, and to Police Chief Bacy for his department’s dedication to community involvement,” Felton Gilliland said. “We appreciate how the officers put faith into action through Faith & Blue events like our Habitat framing days. Last October, more than 45 OKCPD volunteers worked hard and framed this house with Iris and her family.”

Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland (center) led the Habitat home dedication on March 7, 2025, at the home of Iris S. and her family. She poses with The Order of the Daughters of the King representatives, Suzanne Spradling (left) and Vicki Renolds (right) from All Souls Episcopal Church in Oklahoma City.

In her application to buy a Habitat home, Iris stated that her mother moved to Oklahoma for a fresh start and “always wanted the American dream for all her kids.” Today, Iris is a Walmart team lead in Yukon, Oklahoma. During the celebration, she expressed gratitude and reflected on her family’s journey.

“When we first came out here (Cornerstone Creek), there was nothing (around) and then all these housing started coming in quick, with all the volunteers helping each family,” Iris said. “I liked the journey. It was easy, and they (Habitat) helped you throughout the whole process.”

Local clergy and community leaders also contributed to the happy occasion. St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church’s Deacon John Teague offered house blessings, while The Order of the Daughters of the King from All Souls Episcopal Church presented Iris with an engraved Bible. The Edmond Board of Realtors, represented by Elizabeth Ochoa, also welcomed the family with a thoughtful gift—a new welcome mat.

“I’m really blessed by this opportunity,” Iris said.

Potential homeowners interested in Cornerstone Creek can visit:  okchabitat.com and see if they qualify to buy a Habitat home by taking a one-minute quiz at https://okchabitat.com/cc-one-minute-survey/. For more information about Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity, please visit www.cohfh.org or call 405-232-4828.