LAND FOR HUMANITY
$2.25 million gift draws attention to Habitat’s development
C entral Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity’s inheritance of $2.25 million from retired U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Florentz — enough to build 24 houses — landed his name on Habitat’s latest neighborhood, spotlighting the charity’s work in land development.
After nearly 30 years, Habitat is not only one of Oklahoma City’s biggest homebuilders. For the past decade, it has been a developer, as well.
Stephen Florentz Legacy Estates addition, south of Wilshire Boulevard, on the west side of Council Road, is Habitat’s third neighborhood. When finished, Habitat will have built and sold, at zero interest, 146 houses there to buyers who may have been struggling but qualified for the Habitat program.
Florentz, a decorated helicopter medic in the Vietnam War who also served in Operation Desert Storm, died last year, leaving his own home and $2.25 million to Habitat, the largest single gift in its 29-year history.
Central Oklahoma Habitat’s first own subdivision, in 2006, was Hope Landing, west off of Kelley Avenue at NE 83, with more than 200 homes. It was followed by Faith Landing, 33 houses off Council Road between SW 44 and SW 59.
Central Oklahoma Habitat has been associated with other subdivisions, as well, although as major builder, not developer.
The first was Douglas Meadows, west off Douglas Boulevard at NE 45 and NE 46 (connected by Ann Felton Way), in Spencer, 61 houses. Then Las Rosas, at SE 25 and Durland Avenue, 40 houses. Most recently, Shelliebrook, in southwest Blanchard, 31 lots so far and houses under construction.
That’s all in addition to houses built on infill lots, bought and donated, in other areas of Oklahoma City.
But becoming a developer in its own right, starting with a donation of 50 acres and Hope Landing, changed everything for Central Oklahoma Habitat, said Ann Felton Gilliland, chairman and CEO.
“We had known for quite some time that to keep up with our aggressive building schedule and the need in our community, we probably were going to have to become developers. We just couldn’t keep up with acquiring property,” she said. “One of the greatest blessings that happened to us was this property was given to us.
“It was just wonderful. I like to tell everybody that I think it was a gift from God because we could never have afforded to buy that land at that time, and also pay (to develop it). So ... we developed it over five phases (over) several years.
“It’s all built out now. We put in two parks there, and workout stations to promote healthy living. We have a neighborhood association there — all the neighbors pay into it. So they’re in control of it now, and I have to say, I drive by there periodically and I just think they’re doing a wonderful job maintaining their neighborhood.”
Felton Gilliland said the launch into land development made Central Oklahoma Habitat smarter.
“It really changed a lot of things for us, all for the better, really, because one of the things we did early on, when someone would call us and want to donate a lot, we’d just say ‘praise the Lord’ and we took it,” she said. “We weren’t smart enough to think through this a little bit more, like we do now.
“When someone calls us now and wants to give a lot to us, we look at the crime rate in the area, we look at the school, we look at all these things before we take it. And when we develop areas, we also look at that. Our families aren’t any different than we are. They want to live in a safe neighborhood with a good school. Developing areas has given us the opportunity to do that.”
‘Every penny counts’
Going into land development also changed Central Oklahoma Habitat’s approach to fundraising in some ways — but not in others.
What’s different is the amount of money needed and the fortunate reliance on corporate donors, such as ClimateMaster, Malarkey Roofing, B&H Construction, 7-Eleven and others.
“While we were really very fortunate with our first development — that 50 acres was donated to us — with the other developments, we’ve had to purchase the property. So it’s not only buying the property, but then raising the money to develop it, then raising the money to build the houses,” she said.
What hasn’t changed, she said, is the importance of each donor, corporate or individual, large or small, and her commitment to have contact with every one.
“We have lots of wonderful partners who have been with us. Some people send in $25 to $50, but they do it every year or every month,” she said. “Every penny counts. Everything goes toward a house. I send them a letter telling them which house their money’s going toward.
“I try to have a personal relationship as much as possible with our donors, whether they’re a large donor or a small donor. I see every check. I write every letter thanking the people, so when I’m out in the community I can say, ‘Oh, gosh, thanks for sending that check. I really appreciate your support!’ “
What’s next? Another neighborhood, preferably, she said, in the southwest part of the metro area.
“We’re looking for land right now,” Felton Gilliland said. “It won’t be long until we’re built out with Legacy. We have about 45 families living there already. Right now, I’m developing the second phase of it, so we’ll probably be ready to sell lots there to our families about November or December. So in the next two or three years, we’ll be out of Legacy.
“I need to find some land right now that we can start developing, to get ready for the next (subdivision). You’d be surprised how hard it is, even buying it. It’s hard to find land.”