A big sister sometimes knows best. At least that’s what John L., 29, of Edmond, Oklahoma, believes after taking his older sister Emilia N.’s advice to apply for Central Oklahoma Habitat’s homeownership program. “My sister told me about Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity,” John said. When this opportunity arose, I decided to give it a try. I have always listened to her, and she has always been right.” As a result, John will celebrate his Habitat home dedication ceremony at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Cornerstone Creek in Oklahoma City. John said he has lived with his big sister and her family for several years after earning an Economics degree in the Republic of Cameroon. “It was a little overcrowded with me there, so I thought applying with Habitat was a great idea because I had always wished to have a place of my own.” John has worked as a certified nursing assistant for over two years at Veraden Senior Living in Edmond, Oklahoma. In his New Home Construction application, he stated, “I feel it will be a perfect way for me to start a decent and happy life,” especially since he has been considering starting his own family. “Homeownership will significantly impact my life and that of my family, especially in terms of stability,” he stated. John will live in his new home at Cornerstone Creek with his 10-year-old nephew, Jeffrey G. John said he’s also learned a great deal while volunteering on home builds with Habitat, and he’s very excited to move into his new home. “I can’t wait,” he said. “I want Thursday to be today!” Central Oklahoma Habitat Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland said John’s home dedication marks the 1,125th home built by the nonprofit since 1990.“You can sense that Cornerstone Creek’s residents are coming together to build a community,” Felton Gilliland said. “All of our four affordable housing communities also have homeowners’ associations and Cornerstone Creek will, too. It is a joy to see the 30 or more homes now built or being built there and our new families are moving in nearly every week.” Applicants for Central Oklahoma Habitat’s New Home Construction program must meet specific qualifications, including a credit score of 600 or higher and income within HUD guidelines. Potential applicants can take a one-minute quiz to see if they qualify at okchabitat.com, https://cornerstonecreek.org/or call 405-232-4828.
