Empowering Teachers Through Homeownership 

Education Resources for Home Learning

An african american couple stands in front of their new home holding an oversized key with the Green Country Habitat for Humanity logo and the words "We're Home"

Your New Home May Be Closer Than You Think

Buying a home can feel out of reach. Education Begins With Home helps Tulsa-area teachers build a pathway to homeownership — and find the peace, stability and joy that comes with having a place to call your own. 

Eligible teachers may receive up to $50,000 in forgivable down-payment assistance and access a below-market, 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, making homeownership more affordable and within reach.

*Downpayment assistance determined for qualified applicants. Additional down payment assistance may be offered subject to availability. Some restrictions apply.

See What Is Possible
a young mother and her four children stand in front of their new home halding an oversized key with the Green Country Habitat for Humanity logo and the words "We're Home"

The Dream of Homeownership Is Doable

Our partners at Tulsa Public Schools, Union Public Schools and participating Tulsa-area charter schools are working together to make homeownership more attainable for eligible teachers.

Education Begins With Home can help qualifying educators:

  • Purchase a quality, energy-efficient, newly constructed starter home

  • Receive up to $50,000 in forgivable down-payment assistance

  • Access a below-market, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage

  • Build equity and establish roots in your community

  • Receive guidance throughout the homebuying process

Program expansion is made possible with support from the Maxine and Jack Zarrow Family Foundation

Could You Qualify?

Education Begins With Home is available to eligible classroom teachers, including traditionally certified and emergency-certified teachers employed by:

  • Tulsa Public Schools

  • Union Public Schools

  • Tulsa Legacy Charter School

  • KIPP Tulsa

  • Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences

  • College Bound Academy

  • Tulsa Honor Academy

  • Under the Canopy School

  • Crossover Preparatory Academy

You do not need to know whether you qualify before taking the first step. Our team is here to provide guidance and free financial counseling through the entire process.

a teacher gives the thumbs up standing in front of a bulletin board full of student drawings

Your Path To Homeownership

Your path to stable, affordable homeownership just got easier! Our team will walk you through the program, explore your options, and determine the next steps that may be right for you.

1. Attend a Homebuyer Information Session

Sign up now for a 30-minute virtual or in-person session at no cost.

2. Submit an Application

Complete an application and provide the requested financial documents. 

3. Work One-on-One with a Counselor

Your housing counselor will review your finances and help you prepare for successful homeownership.

4. Complete Educational Courses

Finish up the required classes and volunteer hours to prepare for homeownership.

5. Purchase Your New Home

Congratulations on completing the program. You are now a homeowner!

Take the First Step

From Application to Move-In Day

“I had a lot of misunderstandings about homebuying and what the process looked like. I applied in June, and by September, I was moving in.”

— Brittani, new homeowner

Hear how Brittani found support through Education Begins With Home and created a place her family could call home.

Learn how our team helped Sharrelle move through the homebuying process and establish roots in the community she serves.

  • Commonwealth Foundation

  • Bank of America

  • Hille Foundation

  • The Bama Companies

  • Karen Langdon 

  • Sanford & Irene Burnstein Family Foundation

  • The Sharna & Irvin Frank Foundation

  • State Farm

  • Rozann & Bill Knight

  • FW Murphy Family Foundation

  • Julie & Sanjay Meshri Family

  • Kathleen S. Craft Foundation

  • Hardesty Family Foundation

  • PSO Foundation

  • TD Williamson

Thank You Sponsors

  • Ralph & Frances McGill Foundation

  • Tulsa Area United Way

  • Ed Darby Family Foundation

  • Kerr Foundation

  • Stanley White Foundation

  • Stuart Family Foundation

  • TEB Foundation

  • MidFirst Bank

  • Ash Grove Charitable Foundation

Our Partners

  • Is this program only for Tulsa Public Schools teachers?

    No. Education Begins With Home has expanded and is now available to qualifying teachers at Tulsa Public Schools, Union Public Schools and participating Tulsa-area charter schools.

    What educators in these school districts may qualify?

    Education Begins With Home is available to classroom educators including traditionally certified, alternatively certified, emergency certified and non-certified teachers. Additional eligibility requirements apply.

    Which charter schools are participating?

    Participating Tulsa-area charter schools include:

    • Tulsa Legacy Charter School

    • KIPP Tulsa

    • Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences

    • College Bound Academy

    • Tulsa Honor Academy

    • Under the Canopy School

    • Crossover Preparatory Academy

    Can school employees who are not classroom teachers participate?

    Absolutely! Other school employees may be eligible for Habitat’s traditional homebuyer program. Complete the interest form to receive information about other opportunities.

    How does down-payment assistance work?

    Qualified applicants who purchase a home through the program will receive  forgivable down-payment assistance, subject to program requirements and available funding.

    After five years of successful mortgage payments, the down-payment assistance loan will be forgiven and become instant equity for your family.

    Does Education Begins With Home have the same eligibility requirements as standard Habitat HomeBuyer programs?

    While many of the eligibility requirements remain the same as our other programs, certain requirements have been reduced or waived to help remove barriers to homeownership for educators.

    What mortgage options are available? 

    Qualified Education Begins With Home participants may be eligible for a below-market, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage.

    Are these newly constructed homes?

    Yes! Our homes are high-quality, newly constructed builds designed to provide a strong foundation for successful, long-term homeownership.

    Does submitting the interest form  affect my credit?

    No. Submitting an interest form or registering for an information session will not affect your credit.

    What happens during an Information Session?

    Our information sessions are a free, 30-minute program overview that provides additional information about the homebuyer process. Sessions are available virtually and in person. Children are welcome and there is no commitment to apply or take further action.

    What if I do not meet the requirements today?

    Do not count yourself out. We connect you to financial education and homebuyer preparation resources that can help work toward eligibility.