Young Family Begins ‘Real-World Journey’ With Central Oklahoma Habitat Home Dedication

Sebastian R. and his girlfriend, Nayeli M., celebrated the dedication of their new Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity (COHFH) home in Spencer on June 6, 2024. At the time, the couple was expecting a baby boy, who would join Sebastian’s daughter, Leilani R., then 4.

Before applying to purchase a Habitat home, the family lived in an overcrowded house in a neighborhood Sebastian considered unsafe. A construction foreman, Sebastian wanted a stable place for his growing family.

“We’re looking for our forever home and a safe and clean environment,” Sebastian wrote in his application. “The house we stayed at was overcrowded and not in a safe area. I’m excited to have our own space with my little family.”

Sebastian later thanked COHFH for his experience in the New Home Construction program.

“Our need for a Habitat home was for us to begin a new chapter in our lives as parents and adults,” Sebastian wrote. “This home will truly make a difference in my life and my family’s lives because we can finally be together and experience the real-world journey that’s ahead of us. Habitat has built us a beautiful home where our kids can grow up and be a part of this journey with us.”

COHFH staff and volunteers build alongside future homeowners, who complete 100 required sweat-equity hours by working on their homes and homes for other families. Applicants must qualify for a mortgage and meet income and credit requirements. Habitat homes are purchased at cost with no down payment. Future homeowners also attend education classes covering budgeting, home maintenance and other aspects of responsible homeownership.

COHFH Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland said Habitat home dedications bring staff, community members and faith leaders together to offer prayers and present families with gifts for their new homes.

“Our home dedications are strengthened by participating members of the community and our faith leaders, who pray for blessings for the new homeowners and their new home,” Felton Gilliland said.

The celebration marked the 1,097th affordable home built by COHFH since 1990.