Growing a Dream

Welcome home, Emily and Gabriel!

Originally from central Oklahoma, Emily and Gabriel are planting their roots in Tulsa thanks to Green Country Habitat for Humanity.

The young couple moved to Tulsa because Emily, a Cherokee Citizen, wanted to be closer to the reservation and now works for the Muscogee Creek Nation as a Planner. With that big step in their lives, Emily and Gabriel started to think about other ways to plan for their future, which included breaking free from the constant worry of rising housing costs.

"Every year it was always the same thing," shared Emily. "Is the rent going to rise too high so that we can't afford to stay where we are."

The solution to that problem first presented itself when Emily looked into volunteering with Green Country Habitat. She and Gabriel had volunteered with a different affiliate in the past, and when looking to get involved locally, they learned about our Homebuyer Program.

After attending a Homeowner Orientation class and getting approved for the program, Emily and Gabriel had a clear path to achieving something they never thought would come so soon.

"This house is honestly more than we could have dreamed of," said Gabriel. "With the recent changes, I thought we would be well into our 30s or 40s before we bought a home," added Emily.

More than a house—a foundation for the future. Emily and Gabriel are beginning their homeownership journey with a place to build wealth, stability, and lasting memories.

Now moved into their home, Emily and Gabriel are looking forward to making it their own. They're planning to purchase blue and green paint from the ReStore to give their living space a pop of color. They also want to plant native plants for pollinators and make a garden that supports Emily's crafting and basket weaving hobbies. Gabriel, meanwhile, is excited to settle into the community and pursue a career in education. But the thing they're most looking forward to is the stability and long-term benefits of homeownership.

"Owning a house versus renting is going to help us build wealth that we never had," Emily said. "Because we're going to be paying into it instead of paying somebody else."

To anyone considering reaching out to Habitat, Emily and Gabriel have a simple message: don't hesitate. "Even if you think there's even a small possibility, it's better to try and start the process than to not."

Congratulations Emily and Gabriel on your new home, and special thanks to MidFirst Bank for providing an affordable mortgage.

Habitat believes that everyone deserves a place to call home. Apply or share our home purchasing opportunity with others: