2015 Issue 6
Develop, Innovate, Prosper
Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity Impacts the State Organization offers affordable housing to central Oklahoma families in need In the 28 years since it began operations, Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity (COHFH) has built homes in Bethany, Bethel Acres, Blanchard, Bridge Creek, Carney, Choctaw, Del City, Edmond, El Reno, Guthrie, Midwest City, Moore, Mulhall, Mustang, Oklahoma City, Spencer, The Village and Yukon. With 800 houses built in central Oklahoma, COHFH has been successful in obtaining many sponsors, donors and volunteers to assist it in its mission of providing and preserving affordable housing for hard-working, limited-income families living in substandard conditions. COHFH serves a vital role in Oklahoma. Its activities ensure that low income families have the opportunity to obtain affordable, quality housing. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce recently released a study of the organization and the results were clear: the agency has a significant positive impact on communities in Oklahoma.
Tulsa Company Awarded 2015 National Exporter of the Year p. 2
COHFH activities extend well beyond the economic impact seen from the survey responses and into the homes and lives of many of its beneficiaries. The majority of the people surveyed say that without COHFH they could not have owned a home. “I just wanted you to know something about my life living in my house,” wrote one COHFH
Main Street Award Winners Share Their Success Stories p. 4
homeowner in comments section of the survey. “I finally paid off my house in 2014. The joy I feel every time I walk in my house… I can’t put into words. This is a great program. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat!” Many homeowners reported feeling better about themselves, their Continued on page 2
Rose State College FabLab Open to the Public p. 7