Green Country Habitat for Humanity and Tulsa Public Schools announced the launch of an innovative partnership: the "Education Begins with Home" program. This initiative aims to recruit and retain certified teachers in Tulsa Public Schools by making homeownership an achievable reality and providing critical support to the educators who shape the future of our community.  

Through this $5 million down payment assistance fund, qualifying teachers will receive up to $50,000 in down payment assistance to purchase a home through Habitat’s homebuyer program. The program ensures long-term stability for educators while supporting the district's efforts to attract and retain teaching talent.  

Program highlights include:

• Teachers must meet Habitat’s income requirements, complete homebuyer education courses, and contribute hours like any other Habitat homebuyer.  
• After five years of successful mortgage payments, the down payment assistance will be fully forgiven, allowing teachers to build home equity.  
• This program supports stable and affordable housing so teachers and students can better focus on learning and growth.  

"Teachers are the foundation of our educational system, and stable housing is a cornerstone of them building careers and livelihoods in Tulsa," said Dr. Ebony Johnson, Superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools. "We’re all-in on supporting our educators, and this program illustrates how our community backs our teachers and continues to invest in our young people."  

This initiative addresses two critical issues: teacher retention and the housing affordability challenge. This groundbreaking collaboration will empower at least 100 Tulsa educators to achieve homeownership, invest in their community, and inspire their students for years.  

For more information on how to apply for the "Education Begins with Home" program, visit www.greencountryhabitat.org/education.    

Click through the slideshow below to see photos from the press conference.