Welcome Home, Mackie!
A lifelong Oklahoman is celebrating a new beginning and a dream realized, thanks to her partnership with Green Country Habitat for Humanity. Mackie, a single mother from the McAllister-Carlisle area, recently received the keys to her new home in Wagoner, a moment she calls a “full-circle moment filled with hope, legacy, and gratitude.”
For years, Mackie and her son lived in a dilapidated rental house that was costing them far more than it was worth. As a survivor of domestic violence, she faced countless challenges while trying to provide a safe and stable environment for her family.
Her journey with Habitat began with a simple conversation. An old friend stopped by her flower shop at Floral Haven Funeral Home and Cemetery and mentioned that Green Country Habitat for Humanity was building homes in Wagoner. That conversation sparked a new sense of hope for Mackie, one that ultimately led her to pursue her dream of homeownership.
But her connection to Habitat didn’t start there. Mackie’s great-grandmother was acquainted with Rosalynn Carter who, along with her husband, President Jimmy Carter, was a great supporter of Habitat for Humanity. “I truly believe my great-grandparents would be incredibly proud of this milestone,” Mackie said, sharing a postcard that Rosalynn Carter sent to her great-grandmother.
The affordable mortgage, generously provided by Gateway Mortgage, was truly life-changing for Mackie. She had spent a lifetime navigating challenges on her own, and this support felt like a dream come true. “[Our new home] represents security, joy, and the realization that homeownership and a better future are finally within reach,” she says.
Now that the house is a reality, Mackie is most excited about having a stable, permanent place to call home. She’s looking forward to her son having a big yard to play in and building lasting memories together.
Mackie’s advice to others considering the Habitat program is simple but powerful: “Believe in yourself. Stay committed. Ask questions. If you feel overwhelmed or if you face setbacks, just keep going because you’re not just purchasing a home. You’re building a future."