Mother of Four Appreciates 'Forever' Habitat Home

MoNica W., a local mother raising four sons, recently applied to participate in Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity’s (COHFH) New Home Construction program in hopes she would qualify to buy a Habitat home. In her application, MoNica W. explained the challenges associated with renting places to live, including the high cost of rent, overall lack of affordable housing and having to move 15 times in 20 years.

“By the grace of God, obtaining a Habitat home will give us the stability needed to focus on other things, like my boys’ educations and careers,” MonNica W. stated. “I finally understand the importance of homeownership. Raising four boys is a challenge and teaching them how to be upstanding, empathetic individuals and responsible adults is my ultimate goal.

"I am ready, and I’ve taken the necessary steps to become a successful homeowner. Having a safe and comfortable home will allow me and my sons to have (the) financial freedom to invest in other important opportunities, like different schools, more exposure to colleges and sports opportunities.”

Click here to view MoNica’s story broadcast on KAUT Fox Channel 25 TV:

In the last several years, MoNica W. has proven her worth as a City of Oklahoma City engineering assistant and received several raises. After she was accepted as a COHFH future homeowner, MoNica W. said she was more than happy to “get dirty” by volunteering to build her own and others’ homes as a part of her 100-hour sweat-equity commitment and was excited to help frame a wall. She and her family, COHFH staff and members of the community celebrated Habitat's 1,099th home dedication on June 20, 2024, at MoNica W. and her family’s new house in Spencer, Oklahoma.

Throughout her transformative journey to homeownership, MoNica W. said she wants her children to understand the power of dedicated hard work, prayer and patience.

“It’s a dream come true,” MoNica W. said. “It is an absolutely amazing feeling having the keys to a home that I own. It means no more worrying about landlords, deposits or applications -- it’s a forever home for me and my family and I absolutely couldn’t ask for more!”

COHFH Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland praised MoNica’s hard work and determination.

“We’re delighted Monica’s completed our program,” Felton Gilliland said. “She’s worked hard to fulfill all the requirements necessary to buy her Habitat home. It is a joy to celebrate this accomplishment with her and her family.”

COHFH is grateful to Gateway Mortgage and Gateway’s Loan Originator Alba Santiago for her outstanding service in helping Habitat to build homes, communities and hope.

COHFH is a Christian-housing ministry that helps limited- to moderate-income individuals and families who qualify to become homeowners of affordable, safe and energy-efficient housing. Meanwhile, Habitat’s Critical Home Repair program assists homeowners in need with repairs and by helping to winterize their homes.

Applicants who wish to apply with Habitat must meet all qualifications to be considered for the partnership program, including having a credit score of more than 600 and they must be able to get and make regular payments on an affordable mortgage. Applicants must also match the 2024 HUD annual income by family size guidelines for consideration. For more information, call 405-232-4828 or review an application at https://cohfh.org/get-qualified/