Visit the OHFA website to learn more about Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency and its programs.
In the past year, OHFA has passionately pursued its mission of “providing affordable housing resources with an eagerness to serve.”
By opening doors to homeownership, offering crucial rental payment assistance, helping to ease the continued burdens of the pandemic, and financing the development of affordable housing, we have created a network of support that often intertwines.
Our programs are designed to complement each other, ensuring that every individual and family we serve has access to the vital resources they need to thrive. Through these interconnected initiatives, we continue to build stronger, more resilient communities.
Members of the OHFA staff and Board of Trustees are dedicated to achieving this mission.
OHFA's 2024 Annual Report highlights strides made by our agency this past year.
-Deborah Jenkins, Executive Director
OHFA Impact at a Glance
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New Homeowners
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Housing Development Units Financed
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Families Assisted with Rental Assistance
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Mortgages Reinstated Through the Homeowner Assistance Fund
New Programs Build on OHFA's Mission
This year, OHFA proudly introduced two groundbreaking initiatives:
- The Oklahoma Housing Stability Program - The State of Oklahoma's largest investment in housing in state history.
- HOME Investment Partnerships Program - American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) funding offers the opportunity to provide housing and supportive services to some of our most vulnerable citizens.
These initiatives were designed to bridge critical gaps in our housing landscape. OHFA’s reach now extends even further. From supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, to aiding communities in alleviating rental housing shortages, and helping Oklahomans achieve their dreams of homeownership, these new programs exemplify our commitment to serving every corner of our state with dedication and compassion.
Oklahoma Housing Stability Program
The Oklahoma Housing Stability Program offers 0% interest construction loans for the new construction of single-family and rental housing in communities all across the state. This $215 million program represents the State of Oklahoma's largest investment toward housing in state history. OHFA's Board of Trustees approved program awards at each of its 6 meetings in 2024. As a result, builders will build 628 new houses and rental units.
Video Interviews: Erick Silva of Silva Development, LLC discusses the construction of duplexes for rent in Tuttle. For LIFT Community Action in far-southeast Oklahoma, utilizing the Housing Stability Program means they can expand the availability of much-needed houses for homebuyers in their area.
HOME-ARP
The State of Oklahoma received a one-time allocation of $31 million in Home Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) funds to help organizations provide housing and supportive services to at-risk individuals, including those who are experiencing homelessness. OHFA's Board of Trustees awarded $12 million at its September and November meetings to organizations working to alleviate the critical needs of individuals and families who are unhoused.
Video Interviews: Jesus House in Oklahoma City offers substance abuse recovery, shelter and meal services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Program director Christine North shares how the HOME-ARP grant will help them meet the needs of the people they serve. The Day Center, located within the nonprofit Hope Center in Woodward, offers a place for community members who are unhoused to come in from the elements, eat a hot meal, and shower. Shanna Gonser, director of operations, shares how the HOME-ARP grant helps the organization provide emergency shelter in extreme winter weather.
Building a Life in a Home of My Own
Helping Oklahomans become homeowners lies at the cornerstone of OHFA's mission. OHFA offers two distinct programs that make it possible: Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance and the Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program. Additional resources come from grants awarded to organizations through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the Oklahoma Housing Trust Fund, and the Oklahoma Housing Stability Program.
Dorothy's Story
After years of renting an apartment through the Housing Choice Voucher program, Dorothy wanted to live in a quiet place with stable payments. She joined the Family Self-Sufficiency program and began setting personal and financial goals. Buying a house ranked at the top.
When it comes to budgeting, little things add up. While learning more about budgeting and home ownership, Dorothy made small changes to help her achieve her goal.
"I absolutely couldn't have bought my house without OHFA," she said.
In addition to OHFA's Family Self-Sufficiency specialists, Dorothy worked closely with her mortgage lender, Bryan Carroll of First United Bank.
"He's the best," she said. "He knows the program and was able to help me every step of the way."
Dorothy enjoys morning cups of coffee on her screened-in back porch. Buying a home also meant space for her dining room table, a cherished family heirloom.
"I love this house. I feel like this house was made for me."
Gallery of Homeowners
Jennifer
Shennia
Carolyn
Crystal's Story
After years of renting, Crystal needed a change. With rising rents, she set her sights on buying a home instead.
Utilizing OHFA Down Payment Assistance meant Crystal could buy a home and still have money in the budget for appliances, new flooring, and paint.
"Picking a house was a big commitment," Crystal said. "This house felt homey and had everything I wanted. I have the liberty of knowing this is permanent. Getting down payment assistance meant I could get started doing the things I wanted to do."
Crystal used down payment assistance from OHFA to make buying a home more affordable.
2024 OHFA Highlights
OHFA Staff - September 2024
Learn More About OHFA
Board of Trustees
Michael Buhl, Chair
Scott McLaws, Vice Chair
Roger Beverage, Secretary-Treasurer
Cliff Miller, Member
Darin Dalbom, Member
Joi Love, Resident Board Member
OHFA's Board of Trustees - Back row, left to right: Cliff Miller and Roger Beverage
Front Row, left to right: Scott McLaws, Mike Buhl, and Darin Dalbom
Not Pictured: Joi Love Resident Board Member
Leadership Team:
Deborah Jenkins, Executive Director
Kurt Fite, Deputy Executive Director
Rana Askins, Chief Financial Officer
Darrell Beavers, Housing Development Programs Director
Valenthia Doolin, Homeownership Programs Director
Mary Hoock, Rental Programs Director
Tamara Steele, Human Resources Director
The Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency Leadership Team includes, standing from left: Valenthia Doolin, Homeownership Director; Darrell Beavers, Housing Development Programs Director; Tamara Steele, Human Resources Director; and Mary Hoock, Rental Programs Director. Seated, from left: Kurt Fite, Deputy Executive Director; Deborah Jenkins, Executive Director; and Rana Askins, CFO.