A Porch to Dream On
Melissa has spent her career shaping young minds. As a teacher—and as a mother of two grown sons, she knows what it means to show up with patience, resilience, and heart. Homeownership, however, always felt just out of reach. That changed when Education Begins with Home, a partnership between Tulsa Public Schools and Habitat for Humanity, opened a door she hadn’t realized was possible.
“I’ve been familiar with Habitat for Humanity for a long time,” Melissa shared. “It just didn’t occur to me that it might be an option for me until the TPS partnership came about.” Once she looked into the program and learned she was eligible, she committed to the process—and kept moving forward.
Melissa’s goal was simple and powerful: to own a home of her own. “I’ve never owned a home before,” she said. “Just to be a homeowner—knowing what that means for my future and my finances moving forward—was really important to me.”
That sense of ownership carries weight. After years of moves, divorce, and even losing a rental home to a fire, the idea of permanence and security meant everything. “Just knowing this is mine, that my name is going to be on it, and no one can take that away from me—that’s incredibly meaningful.”
The journey required time and dedication—weekends, evenings, classes—but Melissa describes the experience as clear and supportive from start to finish. “Everything was really straightforward,” she said. “And whenever I had questions, my counselor was right there to walk me through everything.”
From informative classes to generous staff and volunteers, Melissa found a community ready to help her succeed. “It’s been really smooth,” she added. “Everyone I met throughout the process has been incredibly generous.”
Ask Melissa about her favorite part of her new home and her face lights up. “I love the kitchen—and I love the front porch.” That porch holds special meaning. Years ago, a rental home she loved burned down, taking with it a covered porch where she’d sit with her coffee and look outside.
Throughout the Habitat process, a co-teacher became her steady encourager. When Melissa found herself checking emails and wondering what came next, her friend would gently remind her: Any day now, you’ll be sitting on that porch, looking at your flowers.
Now, that vision is real.
Melissa’s advice is refreshingly honest: “Just go for it. Stay committed and put one foot in front of the other.” She encourages future buyers not to get overwhelmed by paperwork and to lean on their housing counselors.
“Ask questions,” she said. “Don’t be afraid—especially in the classes. There were times I thought a question was silly, and then someone else would ask it. Take advantage of the people who are there to help you.”
For Melissa, home is no longer temporary. It’s peace of mind. It’s stability. It’s a place that can’t be taken away.
After starting over more than once, she’s finally home—and this time, it’s hers.
Special thank you to Gateway Mortgage for providing Melissa’s affordable mortgage.
Habitat believes that everyone deserves a place to call home. Apply or share our home purchasing opportunity with others: