Faith and Integrity Guide Family to Habitat Homeownership

Telemundo Oklahoma featured the family’s home dedication in Spanish. Watch the story.

Before learning about Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity (COHFH), Juan F.L. and his wife, Ma De Jesús G.D., were nearly persuaded to make what Juan described as a “risky investment.”

Juan said a real estate representative encouraged him to inflate his income to qualify for a mortgage. Rather than take that risk, the family prayed for guidance. Soon afterward, their tax preparer introduced them to Habitat’s New Home Construction program, which is built on hard work and partnership. The family applied, and they say their prayers were answered.

On Oct. 23, 2025, Juan, Ma De Jesús and their sons, Daniel, 20, and Jorge Pedro, 11, celebrated the dedication of their new home in Cornerstone Creek. Family members, Central Oklahoma Habitat staff and community supporters joined the celebration.

“We are a Latino Catholic family, and we truly see this experience as a blessing from God,” Juan said. “We prayed and sought guidance, and the right people came into our lives at the right time—leading us to Habitat. We believe this is part of a greater plan.”

The family moved from Mexico to the United States about four years before buying their Habitat home. Juan worked as a tree trimmer, while Ma De Jesús is a homemaker. Their oldest daughter, Ivette, 24, graduated from college and works in accounting in Chicago. Daniel attends Oklahoma City Community College and works as a restaurant server, while Jorge Pedro attends Belle Isle Enterprise Middle School.

Juan said homeownership has brought his family greater stability, hope and confidence about the future.

His Habitat experience eventually brought his journey full circle. Juan later joined Central Oklahoma Habitat’s staff and now helps build homes through its New Home Construction program.