Habitat Homeowner Celebrates Two Milestones at Dedication

Just in time for Thanksgiving 2024, University of Oklahoma Medical Center trauma registrar Akayla K. celebrated purchasing her new home during a Nov. 21 dedication at Cornerstone Creek, Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity’s (COHFH) affordable housing development in far northwest Oklahoma City.

The week was especially meaningful because it also included the eighth birthday of Akayla’s son, Kailen. Surrounded by family and friends, Akayla received numerous housewarming gifts and blessings for a safe, happy future in their new home.

In her application to COHFH’s New Home Construction program, Akayla wrote that she had always wanted a home of her own. After years of paying high rent for less-than-ideal living conditions, she wanted a “settled environment” where she could raise Kailen.

During the dedication, COHFH Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland presented Akayla with the keys to her new, energy-efficient and affordable home.

“Whoop, yeah, yeah!” Akayla exclaimed before hugging Felton Gilliland and thanking those attending the celebration.

“Thank you all for being here and helping us celebrate today,” Akayla said. “It means a lot to me. Thank you to everyone who helped, volunteered and coached us!”

Felton Gilliland said the dedication was COHFH’s fifth ceremony at Cornerstone Creek and commemorated the nonprofit’s 1,110th house built in the greater Oklahoma City area since 1990.

“Thanks to our generous donors, volunteers and sponsors, we’ve been busy fulfilling the promise of Cornerstone Creek so that our families can be home for the holidays,” Felton Gilliland said. “Cornerstone Creek is a testament to the power of community as we work to fulfill our ministry’s mission of building homes, community and hope in Central Oklahoma. I’m also pleased Akayla and Kailen now have their own new Habitat home where they can celebrate the holidays, his birthday and other special occasions.”