Homeowner #1095 – Although he’s more accustomed to a football field than a television camera, Capitol Hill High School teacher and coach Michael H. confidently led a news crew through his family’s new Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity (COHFH) home in southwest Oklahoma City on May 9, 2024, shortly before its dedication.

The reporter and videographer followed Michael into the primary bedroom, where he proudly pointed out the walk-in shower. His girlfriend, Edeline, held their toddler daughter, Hazel, as Michael showed the crew the other two bedrooms, a bathroom and the open-concept kitchen, dining area and den. Outside, COHFH contractors laid sod as guests arrived for the dedication.

During the ceremony, COHFH Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland thanked the sponsors, donors and volunteers who help Habitat build homes, communities and hope. Community sponsors presented the family with a television, a personalized Bible, a welcome mat, yard tools, an engraved Habitat cutting board and several gift cards and certificates. Felton Gilliland then presented the couple with the keys to their home, and they thanked her with a hug.

Felton Gilliland said the home, designed with safety, security and energy efficiency in mind, marked a significant milestone for Michael and his family.

“Michael worked hard for this day,” Felton Gilliland said.

In October 2023, Michael completed part of his required 100 sweat-equity hours alongside nearly 40 Oklahoma City Police Department officers. They helped frame his home during National Faith & Blue Weekend.

Felton Gilliland said Faith & Blue is a solutions-based initiative that brings law enforcement officers and faith communities together to promote fellowship, reconciliation and community problem-solving.

“We are always grateful to our faith leaders and Oklahoma City’s finest who participate in Faith & Blue,” Felton Gilliland said. “Faith & Blue’s volunteer activities demonstrate the strength of their commitment to improving our community through collaboration and support.”

Pastor Julio Fajardo of Community of Faith Church in south Oklahoma City offered a blessing. Michael thanked Oklahoma City police Maj. Greg Johnston for attending both the home build and dedication. He also thanked Habitat for helping him purchase a home at cost without a down payment.

“I just want to give a shout out to Habitat for Humanity and say it is such a great program,” he said. “What they do for people is truly a blessing.”

To view a brief broadcast featuring the Michael H. family’s home dedication celebration with Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity, please click here.