Visit the Homebuyers section of the OHFA website to learn how down payment and closing cost assistance helps make homeownership affordable.
A Heart for Home
2022 Annual Report
Return to OHFA Website
Our Mission: To provide housing resources with an eagerness to serve.
Our Vision: To be the premier housing agency in the Nation.
Our Core Values: Integrity, Teamwork, Excellent Service, Leadership, and Respect
Letter from the Executive Director
At the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, we have a heart for helping Oklahomans with their housing needs. In today's economic climate, our services continue to be in high demand. We are proud of the work we do to ensure that our neighbors have safe and affordable places to call home.
During this past year, more than 136,000 Oklahomans benefited from programs offered by the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency. In addition to offering mainstay programs, we were able to assist Oklahomans facing crises as a direct result of the continued pandemic.
With the help of our partners, we make a lasting impact by providing housing resources through a multitude of rental and housing development programs.
We thank you for your partnership and look forward to an even better 2023.
Deborah Jenkins
OHFA Executive Director
OHFA Accomplishments
Deborah Jenkins, executive director, joins fellow staff members for OHFA Gives Back Day at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. From left, Rosa, Valenthia, Deborah, and Kathy.
OHFA Gives Back
Through the OHFA Gives Back Employee Service Initiative, employees donated
$
to the United Way of Central Oklahoma and volunteered time and talents at non profit organizations of their choosing.
Our Year in Review
Homeownership Programs
Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance
Jerrica & James, First Time Homebuyers
"With down payment assistance, we didn't have to wait to buy a house. It was something we could do right now."
Jerrica and James purchased their first home with the help of OHFA's down payment and closing cost assistance. This freed up the funds they needed to purchase appliances.
Homeownership Made Possible with Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance
Jerrica and James had enough money saved to cover either closing costs or a down payment on a house. After crunching some numbers, they determined that paying for both would hinder the purchase of necessary appliances.
Through their lender, Gateway Mortgage Group, the couple qualified for OHFA's down payment and closing cost assistance.
"That saved us the perfect amount for our appliances," said Jerrica. "We bought our washer, dryer, and our refrigerator the day we closed."
Until Jerrica and James found out about the down payment assistance available from OHFA, buying a home seemed like a goal for a few years down the road. The assistance provided the push they needed to make owning a home a reality.
"We found out we didn't have to wait. We could do this right now," said Jerrica.
Walking through the door for the first time, James fell in love with their future home. "It feels like my grandma's house," he said. More importantly, the house checks all of the boxes. It fits within their budget, has good bones, and the changes they want to make are purely cosmetic.
Jerrica and James are proud of the home they share with their dog, Donut, and their cat, Willow.
Members of the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency homeownership department congratulate 2022 Leading Light Lending Partner award recipients. Pictured, from left, Angie Theis, OHFA homeownership specialist; Kristina Nichols, OHFA homeownership supervisor; Barb Yeary, Stride Bank business development manager; Bryan Carroll, First United Bank & Trust mortgage lending consultant; Yahaira Velasco, Associated Mortgage Corporation mortgage loan officer; Stephanie Hollier, OHFA homeownership specialist; Daniel Truitt, OHFA homeownership specialist; and Valenthia Doolin, OHFA homeownership director.
Leading Light Lenders
Leading Light Lending Partners paved the way for nearly half of OHFA's 1,175 homebuyers in 2022.
Leading Light Lending Partners include:
First United Bank & Trust, 236 homeowners
Gateway Mortgage Group, 178 homeowners
Stride Bank, 149 homeowners
Cornerstone Home Lending, 102 homeowners
Associated Mortgage Corporation (AMC), 93 homeowners
Coming up with the money for the down payment and closing costs often gets in the way of buying a house. OHFA Homebuyer Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance helps eliminate this barrier.
Program Impact
Buyers who purchased a home with the help of OHFA down payment and closing cost assistance
Oklahoma Realtors attended OHFA's continuing education course, becoming Blue Ribbon Realtors
$
Average purchase price of homes purchased with an OHFA loan product
+
Mortgage professionals attended a webinar to learn about program updates
$
in home loans financed in 2022 through OHFA's Single Family Loan Program
Homebuyers utilized OHFA's special loan rates for teachers, firefighters, law enforcement, EMT, and state employees
Learn More About Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance
Homeowner Assistance Fund
Sherry, Homeowner Assistance Fund Grantee
The Homeowner Assistance Fund was exactly what we needed. We were strapped and this program was a godsend.
Sherry's family business took a hard hit during the height of the pandemic. The Homeowner Assistance Fund gave the boost needed to get past the financial setback.
Homeowner Assistance Fund Lifts Financial Burden
For more than a decade, Sherry has decorated her home with bold, vibrant colors. A hot pink couch serves as a focal point in her cheerful living room.
In the height of the pandemic, things didn't look so bright. Sherry worried she and her husband, Chris, might lose their home.
"My husband installs and services equipment for many of the local bars across the state," said Sherry. "The pandemic greatly reduced his business."
While business stalled, housing expenses continued to mount. Sherry used the Oklahoma Homeowner Assistance Fund to pay past-due property taxes.
"Thanks to this program and the wonderful staff we are able to save our home and get past this setback," said Sherry.
Applying for the Homeowner Assistance Fund was easy and painless, Sherry said. She appreciated the customer service she received.
"The people running this program kept me up to date on the application. I was always able to talk to a real person when I called," she said. "And the website is user-friendly."
Sherry is grateful she can sleep at night knowing "we will be able to recover from this financial loss that has touched so many."
OHFA launched the Oklahoma Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) in early January 2022, one of the first states to open its portal to residents. HAF helps to ease the burden felt by Oklahomans financially impacted by the pandemic.
Program Impact
Oklahoma homeowners received relief from the Homeowner Assistance Fund
Homes saved from imminent foreclosure and tax sale
$
in HAF funds disbursed on behalf of Oklahoma neighbors
Learn More About the Oklahoma Homeowner Assistance Fund
Visit the Homeowner Assistance Fund section of the OHFA website to learn more about how this program helps save the homes of Oklahoma homeowners impacted by COVID-19.
Rental Assistance Programs
Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership
Jaya, Housing Choice Voucher Homeowner
Owning a home is the American Dream. It has been my dream and now I can say 'this is my house!'
Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership - "This is the American Dream!"
After moving into the home she purchased with the help of OHFA's Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program, Jaya hesitated to unpack her moving boxes. Her Realtor coaxed her to walk in the door. Once reality hit, she almost cried.
"I thought owning a home would never happen. I still can't believe it," she said.
For Family Self-Sufficiency Program participants, OHFA offers the option to transition from renter to homeowner. Funds previously allocated for paying a portion of their rent go toward paying a mortgage.
Years of battling cancer and other health concerns mean Jaya lives on a fixed income. She appreciates the rental assistance OHFA has provided through the Housing Choice Voucher program over the years. Receiving rental assistance served as a lifeline for which she is grateful.
Still, Jaya longed for a home to call her own. The Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program opened the door for her to make her dream come true.
"This is the American Dream. It has been my dream and now I can say 'this is my house!'"
Jaya lives in a two-bedroom duplex she purchased through the Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program.
Emergency Housing Voucher Program
Catholic Charities,
Referral Organization
Catholic Charities was one of several participating organizations that referred applicants to the Emergency Housing Voucher Program.
Emergency Housing Vouchers Bring Hope to Families Facing Homelessness
OHFA began offering assistance through the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program in late 2021. Individuals qualify for the special vouchers by connecting with one of OHFA's participating entities. Individuals who are homeless, at-risk of homelessness, or fleeing violent situations may be eligible.
Kaylinn Young of Catholic Charities has seen the impact of the Emergency Housing Vouchers first-hand.
"It's really been meeting a need that our clients have had," said Kaylinn. "As the pandemic has gone on, resources have dwindled and it's been harder for clients."
In addition to providing affordable places to live, the Emergency Housing Vouchers also provide funds for wrap-around needs such as appliances, furnishings, and security deposits.
"For them to have an all-in-one package was really impactful and helped a lot of our clients become successful quicker through the EHV program," said Kaylinn. "It is very dignity-affirming when you've been homeless."
"My case worker is wonderful and always willing to help," said T. "I now feel like I can actually plan out my goals and actually work to achieve them," said T., an Emergency Housing Voucher recipient.
Emergency Housing Voucher Referral Organizations
- Ada Homeless Services
- Catholic Charities
- Community Development Support Association (CDSA)
- Deep Fork Community Action Foundation
- Grace Center, Ardmore
- Grand Lake Mental Health Center
- Homeless Alliance
- Housing Solutions Tulsa
- KI BOIS Community Action Foundation
- Life Community Action Agency
- Mental Health Association Oklahoma
- Positive Tomorrows
- Southwest Oklahoma Continuum of Care
- Tahlequah Men's Shelter
OHFA's Housing Choice Voucher and Performance Based Contract Administration programs provide rental assistance to low-income families, including those with disabilities or who are at great risk of homelessness. Through the newly launched Emergency Housing Voucher Program, OHFA worked with participating organizations across the state to offer emergency vouchers to families in crisis.
Rental Programs Impact
Families assisted with Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance each month
$
Average purchase price of homes purchased through the Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership program
Households received help following severe weather in May through the Richard S. Lillard Emergency Housing Assistance Fund
Families assisted with rental assistance at 167 Performance Based Contract Administration properties
$ million
Spent on rental assistance on behalf of residents living in Performance Based Contract Administration properties
Management Occupancy Reports conducted by Performance Based Contract Administration staff members
Learn More About OHFA's Rental Assistance Programs
Visit the Renters/Owners section of the OHFA website to discover how rental assistance programs help low-income families across the state.
Housing Development Programs
National Housing Trust Fund
Alexander, Pivot Tiny Homes Resident
As soon as I walked in the door, I loved it. It had my name all over it. If it wasn't for Pivot, I'd still be staying at the night shelter.
Pivot Tiny Homes Community Opens Doors to At-Risk Youth
When Alexander learned about the services provided by Pivot and its brand-new Tiny Home Community, he knew it was the exact place he needed to be.
"Pivot is the place to be for youth who are homeless," he said. "They've helped me in just the little time that I was here. If it wasn't for Pivot, I'd still be staying at the night shelter."
Instead, Alexander now lives in a tiny home on the Pivot campus, a place he says is perfect. He appreciates the positive, encouraging environment.
"It's the exact set-up like I like it," he said. "If I was moving in here with no furniture, I would put everything exactly how it is."
OHFA provided $1.3 million from the National Housing Trust Fund to Pivot, Inc. for the construction of 20 tiny homes. This community provides much-needed affordable housing for youth ages 18-24 living independently.
"The Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency is excited to partner with Pivot in the building of these homes," said Deborah Jenkins at the open house for the community in July. "Youth homelessness is a real issue and these homes will go a long way in helping youth who would otherwise be homeless."
Alexander lives in a tiny home located on the Pivot, Inc. campus. Pivot worked with architects and designers to create living spaces as unique as the individuals who call them home.
Multifamily Bonds and Tax Credits
The Village at A New Leaf
"I like it here. It's peaceful and quiet and I can do things on my own," said Judy, a resident at The Village at a New Leaf.
The Village at a New Leaf Empowers Residents with Developmental Disabilities
Individuals with developmental disabilities often face more difficulty when it comes to finding employment and safe places to live. A New Leaf, an Owasso non-profit organization, encourages participants to "grow, bloom, and thrive" through its services designed to foster independence.
"We wanted to build low-income housing for people with disabilities because most of them are in a life of poverty," said Mary C. Ogle, CEO for A New Leaf.
OHFA awarded $325,000 in federal housing tax credits and $7 million in tax-exempt bonds to construct 62 rental units for participants in A New Leaf's programs. As an "agrihood," The Village integrates agriculture and residential living.
The new community means residents can move into a life of independence, surrounded by the support and services they need.
"If you are a person with a disability, you end up living with family your whole life. Now they can move into The Village and be independent and make their own choices. It has been life-altering," said Mary.
Judy, one of the first residents to move into The Village, enjoys her spacious, quiet apartment. She's surrounded by support staff who can assist her as needed. There's also plenty of space to walk her dog, Chloe.
"My apartment is a lot bigger than the one I used to live in," said Judy. "I like to do things on my own but I have staff to help me and my dog is happy."
The Village at a New Leaf offers supportive living for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Housing Development programs administered by OHFA help finance the construction and revitalization of affordable housing. This increases the stock of available rental and for-sale units in communities across the state.
Housing Development Programs Impact
Housing units funded through Housing Development programs
Oklahomans reside in affordable housing units created by OHFA Housing Development programs
$ million
Housing Development allocations and awards across all programs
Households receive assistance through the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program
File reviews completed by compliance specialists
Homebuyers who will benefit from down payment assistance grants provided through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program
Learn More About OHFA's Housing Development Programs
Visit the Developer Financing section of the OHFA website to discover how housing development programs finance the construction and rehabilitation of Oklahoma's affordable housing stock.
Learn More About OHFA
Visit the OHFA website to learn more about Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency and its programs.
Board of Trustees
Michael Buhl, Chair
Scott McLaws, Vice Chair
Heath Collins, Secretary-Treasurer
Ann Felton Gilliland, Member
Roger Beverage, Member
Joi Love, Resident Board Member
Members of OHFA's Board of Trustees include from left, Roger Beverage, member; Heath Collins, secretary-treasurer; Scott McLaws, vice-chair; Ann Felton Gilliland, member; and Michael Buhl, chair. Not pictured: Joi Love, resident board member.
Leadership Team:
Deborah Jenkins, Executive Director
Kurt Fite, Deputy Executive Director/CFO
Darrell Beavers, Housing Development Programs Director
Valenthia Doolin, Homeownership Programs Director
Tim Shackelford, Rental Programs Director
Tamara Steele, Human Resources Director
OHFA's Leadership Team includes, from left: Kurt Fite, CFO/Deputy Executive Director; Tamara Steele, Human Resources Director; Darrell Beavers, Housing Development Programs Director; Valenthia Doolin, Homeownership Programs Director; Deborah Jenkins, Executive Director; and Tim Shackelford, Rental Programs Director.
Financial Statements
The Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency shares its financial standing through the release of audited financial statements.