ROVERS Help Tackle Central Oklahoma Habitat’s Toughest Critical Home Repairs

Originally published in The Journal Record
Feb. 25, 2026: We are pleased to share this story, originally published by The Journal Record, highlighting Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity’s dedicated volunteers for Critical Home Repair, the ROVERS! Here is also a link to a recent video: ROVERS

ROVERS Help Tackle Central Oklahoma Habitat’s Toughest Critical Home Repairs

ROVERS (Retired Old Volunteers Enjoying Repairing Stuff) Work Alongside Staff and New Volunteers Helping Homeowners in Need

While Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity’s New Home Construction program has helped more than 1,156 families buy new, energy-efficient and affordable homes since 1990, the Critical Home Repair (CHR) program has assisted more than 800 low-income homeowners across Central Oklahoma with essential repairs and weatherization services.

Habitat’s CHR program launched as “A Brush with Kindness” in 2008. It helps homeowners struggling with limited income, age-related challenges and disabilities remain safe in their homes. CHR Project Manager Erich Font said a dedicated group of volunteers known as the ROVERS — Retired Old Volunteers Enjoying Repairing Stuff — play an important role in tackling some of the program’s most demanding projects.

“Our CHR program is powered by devoted volunteers like the ROVERS who help us with some of the most challenging hands-on work we face in the field, in all types of weather,” Font said. “Many of the aging homes we service are in disrepair and can be unpredictable. It can be dirty, dusty work, but the ROVERS have experience in everything from demolition and cleanup to making essential repairs. They adapt quickly and work with precision because they have a purpose — helping improve the lives of our vulnerable homeowners in need.”

CHR’s ROVERS span generations — from longtime retirees to volunteers in midcareer — and work as a cohesive team when tackling CHR projects. Their work is often physically demanding. Some homes have suffered damage or years of deferred maintenance. Yet the ROVERS consistently step up.

Many share a pragmatic sense of service and a desire to give back using skills developed over decades of work and life experience.

One such ROVER is retired University of Central Oklahoma chemistry professor emeritus Dr. F. “Al” Albahadily. He traded in his chalkboard for power tools and became a ROVER 14 years ago.

“The challenge is always there – some houses have seen better days – sometimes a house is much worse than the others,” Albahadily said. “But if you are capable and there’s a person in need, and there is something you can do to help them be in a better or safer place, that’s absolutely satisfying.”

He said CHR frequently serves homeowners in need, including seniors, veterans, widows and individuals with physical limitations.

“Central Oklahoma Habitat does an excellent job reviewing the people who need and deserve the work, so Habitat deserves a lot of credit,” Albahadily said.

U.S. Air Force veteran, military spouse and retired store owner Pokie Yoshida is another longtime ROVER. She first volunteered with Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity in 2010 during a Women Build event.

“I volunteer for CHR because when I walk into someone’s house that’s in a critical state, and the homeowners have no means to repair it, it breaks my heart,” Yoshida said. “I often ask Erich if there is more we can do for the homeowners.”

Other ROVERS point to the immediacy of the work as a powerful draw.

“Our volunteer work has an immediate impact — you’re helping people and they’re standing right there, and you get to see the end results right away,” said ROVER Matt Clark.

ROVER Monty Bottoms agrees.

“You get to see what you accomplish each day and feel good about it,” Bottoms added.

Font emphasized that Habitat welcomes new volunteers of all ages and backgrounds and provides training and on-site support.

“Our ROVERS bring decades of experience, but there is always meaningful work for new people, too,” Font said. “The work helps some of the most vulnerable homeowners in our community, and it is incredibly rewarding.”

Longtime ROVER Shane Autry said construction experience is not required to volunteer with Habitat.

“The entry bar is low because the crew has the knowledge and equipment,” Autry said. “They match your tasks with your abilities.”

Those interested in volunteering with Habitat’s CHR program can learn more and sign up at www.helpmyhabitat.com. To learn more about Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity, visit www.cohfh.org. To donate, text MAKEHOMEHAPPEN to 50155 or call 405-232-4828.