From Crowded to Complete: Family of Five Find a Home with Habitat

New Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity (COHFH) homeowners Johnnathan H. and Jessica L. welcomed their third daughter, Alaynna, last summer and said they were more than ready to live as a family because of their new Habitat home. On Feb. 18, 2026, the family gathered at their Cornerstone Creek home to celebrate the dedication of their new Habitat home.

Johnnathan H. and Jessica L. are the proud parents of three daughters. The family celebrated the dedication of their new Habitat home on Feb. 18, 2026, at their home in Cornerstone Creek.

Prior to the dedication of her new Habitat home, Jessica stated in her COHFH New Home Construction program application that her family’s living arrangements had been less than ideal because they were living in a crowded rental with roommates.

“We are a growing family in need of a stable, secure home for ourselves and our children,” Jessica stated. “Due to limited space, we have been unable to move in together, and some of our belongings remain in storage. This lack of stability has made it difficult to create the home environment we envision for our children – having a home of our own would provide a safer, more comfortable space where we can build a strong foundation for our family’s future.”

Johnnathan has worked as a painter for City Trailer for the past four years, and Jessica is a stay-at-home mom caring for Alaynna and the couple’s two older daughters, Aubrey, age 6, and Isabella, age 5. Jessica stated that she and her partner are incredibly grateful to be part of the COHFH program, which allows eligible future homeowners to purchase their new, safe and energy-efficient homes at cost, with no down payment.

“Like many families, we’ve faced our share of struggles – neither of us grew up with the stability and safety we hope to provide for our daughters,” Jessica said. “That’s why it isn’t just about getting a house; it’s about building the kind of life we’ve always dreamed of for our kids.”

She said she looks forward to fun activities like cooking together and her daughters decorating their rooms.

“We want our daughters to grow up in a space that feels safe, warm, and truly theirs,” Jessica said. “This house will be the foundation for everything still to come. With two of our girls in school, we’re also excited to be in the Piedmont School District, which will support their growth and education.”

“Faith has guided us through life’s ups and downs, and we truly believe this opportunity is an answered prayer.”

McLaughlin Family Foundation CEO Kelly Gray, a member of the MFF Board, poses with Johnnathan and Jessica during the family’s new Habitat home dedication on Feb. 18, 2026, in Cornerstone Creek. The McLaughlin Family Foundation sponsored the family’s home build, and MFF volunteers helped frame the house.

COHFH Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland said Jessica and Johnnathan’s home was Habitat’s 1,155^th house built since 1990 and the fifth Habitat home build sponsored by the McLaughlin Family Foundation.

“Last October, about 20 volunteers from the foundation helped frame this home,” Felton Gilliland said. “The McLaughlin Family Foundation’s mission is to ‘break the cycle of lost potential,’ and they support affordable housing because a safe, stable home is the foundation that allows families to thrive. I know their investment in Jessica and Johnnathan’s home will have a lasting impact on this family.”