Joyful Homeowner Sings Her Thanks at Cornerstone CreekJoyful Homeowner Sings Her Thanks at Cornerstone Creek

Joyful Homeowner Sings Her Thanks at Cornerstone Creek

Rita N., a mother and grandmother, moved to the United States from Cameroon around 2019. Rita said hard work and struggle have shaped much of her life, but she remained determined to build a more stable future.

New Central Oklahoma Habitat Homeowner Rita N. and her granddaughter, Purity, visit outside Rita’s new home at Cornerstone Creek in Oklahoma City.

Today, Rita works as a certified nursing assistant at Veraden Senior Living in Edmond. She enjoys living near several of her adult children and grandchildren, but one important piece was still missing: “a home of my own.”

On Oct. 31, 2025, Rita celebrated the dedication of her new Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity (COHFH) home with Habitat staff, local clergy and community members at Cornerstone Creek.

Her joy could not be contained. After receiving the keys to her new, energy-efficient home, Rita skipped the traditional short speech and sang her thanks to Habitat and everyone attending the celebration.

“I realized having a home of my own is a great start for a stable life here,” Rita said. “Coming across Habitat is one of the best things to happen to me. This program made my dream come true much faster than I expected—and it is more affordable, too.”

Rita plans to share her new home with her 4-year-old granddaughter, Purity.

“I’m so glad I’ll be sharing this milestone with her,” Rita said. “I’ve had so many struggles in my life, and this feels like a reward for all the hard work I’ve put in.”

For Rita, her new Habitat home offers more than an affordable place to live. It provides stability, room for Purity and a joyful place where their family can build a future together.