A Journey from Recovery to First-Time Homeownership

For years, Joel dreamed of owning a home by the time he turned 40. After a turbulent young adulthood marked by substance abuse and unstable living situations, he returned to Tulsa in his early 20s, got clean, and began rebuilding his life. A stable home of his own felt like the next step — he just didn’t know how to get there.

That changed when his employer, Bama Companies, partnered with Green Country Habitat for Humanity to host an informational event. “Afterward, I was like, I have to apply to this,” Joel said. “I thought it was going to be a long shot, but it just seems too good to not shoot for.”

He dove in headfirst. Working quickly so he could transition straight from his expiring lease into his new home, Joel pushed through the program with focus and determination — and discovered that he’d already saved the amount he needed for the down payment. “This has got to be a sign,” he said. “I just got to go for it.”

Joel chose the Whittier Townhomes for its centralized location near Bama’s Tulsa facilities and fell in love with its layout and high ceilings. “It's just perfect,” he said.

Joel stands in front of his brand new home at the Whittier Townhomes.

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The homeownership classes surprised him too. What seemed like a lot at first turned out to be invaluable. “You need to be doing these classes before you own a property. It’s worth knowing all that.”

Most of all, Joel was struck by the people. “Everyone I interacted with was so nice and so helpful. I kept thinking, there’s got to be a catch. But it wasn’t.”

His advice for anyone considering applying? Just do it. “Even if you’re not eligible, they have amazing resources to help you get there. There’s no loss in putting in your application.”

Congratulations on your new home, Joel! Special thanks to TTCU for providing an affordable mortgage.