Young Family Leaves Apartment Limits Behind by Partnering With Habitat

COHFH Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland prepares to present new Habitat homeowner Bryce B. with the keys to his family’s home on April 23, 2026, in Cornerstone Creek.

Nearly 3-year-old Cash had little room to play in his family’s apartment, and the family dog had no yard to explore. Bryce B. and Mikenna S. wanted to change that by partnering with Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity (COHFH).

During the family’s Habitat home dedication on April 23, 2026, Bryce accepted the keys to their new three-bedroom home in Cornerstone Creek — complete with the space and stability his family needed. They moved in soon afterward.

Bryce and Mikenna wrote in their New Home Construction program application that they began building their life together several years earlier when they moved into their first apartment and prepared to welcome their first child.

Both worked steadily to create a better future for their family. Bryce advanced his career as a commercial truck driver, while Mikenna recently completed her studies to become a medical assistant.

From left, COHFH Assistant Construction Manager Bruce Kennedy, new Cornerstone Creek homeowner Bryce B. and COHFH Construction Superintendent Justin Crim gather during Bryce’s home dedication.

In their small apartment, the family faced rising costs, limited space for Cash to play and ongoing safety concerns.

“Our family is looking for a Habitat home so we can create a safer, more stable environment where our children can truly grow and thrive,” Bryce wrote in the couple’s application.

After completing their required sweat-equity volunteer hours, Bryce said he appreciated everyone who helped his family build and purchase their Habitat home.

For the young parents, homeownership means having a yard where Cash can play, space for their dog to roam and a permanent place where their family can build greater stability.

“We want our home to be our sanctuary,” Bryce said. “This opportunity is not just for us as parents, but for our children and the generations to come.”