Homeowner #1093 – Habitat Homeowner Joshua E. is all smiles these days, especially after moving into his new Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity (COHFH) home in northwest Oklahoma City. As a hard-working father juggling two jobs, Joshua E. said he’s been singing COHFH’s praises ever since he was approved to buy his new home.

“This home means a lot to me,” Joshua E. said. “I’ve been in an apartment a long time and I’ve always wanted my own place. My daughter needs a room to grow up in and there’s a place for my dog. “I can have cookouts here with family and holidays can be here as well.”

But there was more to this story — a twist of fate that makes it even sweeter. Joshua’s longtime friend, Miryam “Mim” R., originally spurred the young father on to complete and turn in his COHFH New Home Construction application. As an employee serving COHFH’s Critical Home Repair (CHR) program, Mim is an important team member at Habitat who helps homeowners in need with winterization and repairs.

Joshua E. is happy both Mim and other Habitat staff, including COHFH Chair Ann Felton Gilliland, as well as community members, could attend his home dedication on Feb. 15, 2024. He added that he’s now a believer in the Habitat’s life-changing mission of building homes, community and hope.

“I’ve already been telling people to fill out the (New Home Construction program) application,” Joshua E. said. “Like me, you have to take a chance and fill it out. The worse they can say is ‘No,’ and they might just say ‘Yes,’ and there you go!”