Licensed Practical Nurse Rejoices after Buying New Habitat Home

Brandi P., a licensed practical nurse for Integris Health Baptist Medical Center, formerly raised her teenage son, Bryton J., in a one-bedroom apartment for many years. The less-than-ideal arrangement was her family’s sacrifice so Bryton could attend a good school district. As a determined and hard-working single mother, Brandi P. had always desired homeownership but didn’t think it was possible until she applied with Habitat.

New Habitat homeowner Brandi P. hugs COHFH Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland after her home dedication celebration in Spencer, Oklahoma.

The LPN took a chance and applied for Habitat’s (COHFH) New Home Construction program and was quickly accepted. About four months later, Brandi P. finished her COHFH partnership commitment, including performing 100 hours of sweat-equity volunteer work on her own and other’s homes. On August 29, 2024, Brandi P. celebrated her COHFH home dedication with Habitat staff and community members at her new house in Spencer, Oklahoma.

“I’m so thankful for all 4,000 keys,” Brandi P. said, laughing through happy tears, after receiving her new house keys from COHFH Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland. “I’m thankful to everyone in the room!”

New Habitat Homeowner Brandi P., a licensed practical nurse for Integris Health Baptist Medical Center, and her son, Bryton J., now live in their new home in Spencer, Oklahoma.

When initially applying for the Habitat program, Brandi P. wrote that she’d rented a two-bedroom apartment for a while. Still, because rental prices kept escalating, she had no choice but to move into a one-bedroom apartment, which she stated was an increasingly frustrating situation.

“For the past six years, this is how my son and I have been living,” Brandi P. stated. “Can you imagine bringing friends to play and having the living room be your bedroom? I was determined to show my son I could buy a home because I know God has something much greater waiting for me.”

During the celebration, Brandi said she’s happy to not have to rent a place to live and grateful for her new Habitat home.

“God has blessed me,” she said. “I’m so thankful!”