Addressing the local teacher retention and housing affordability crises, Green Country Habitat for Humanity on Wednesday announced a $5 million homebuyer assistance program for certified teachers in Tulsa Public Schools.

Acknowledging fellow partners the City of Tulsa, the Tulsa Regional Chamber and the Tulsa Area United Way, Green Country Habitat for Humanity President and CEO Cameron Walker detailed the fundraising project at a news conference at the Greenwood Cultural Center.

“It is imperative that we continue to provide opportunities for families that are doing everything right,” Walker said. “They have good jobs. They have benefits. But by no fault of their own, they are being priced out of the residential market.”

Interest rates have spiked in recent years, and the labor market has tightened, he said, adding that construction costs have risen by nearly 60% since 2019.

Under the “Education Begins with Home” program, at least 100 TPS educators will receive up to $50,000 in down-payment assistance to purchase a home through the Habitat’s homebuyer program.

“We believe that when teachers have access to safe, affordable homes, it creates a ripple effect of positive change, improving education outcomes, fostering community growth and empowering families for generations,” Walker said.

Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols began his remarks by singling out TPS Superintendent Dr. Ebony Johnson, who heads the largest public school district in the state (roughly 34,000 students).

“Things like this don’t happen unless the community has confidence in the person leading the organization,” Nichols said. “I hope that today you understand that in no small part this happens, not just because it would have happened, anyway, but because you’re the kind of leader this community has confidence in.”

Teachers who sign up for the program must meet Habitat’s income qualifications and other requirements. After five years of successful mortgage payments, the down payment assistance will be fully forgiven, allowing educators to build home equity.

“The Education Begins with Home partnership between Green Country Habitat for Humanity and Tulsa Public Schools marks an important step forward,” Nichols said. “By helping Tulsa Public Schools teachers build homes and build equity, we are investing in the future of Tulsa – one classroom, one family and one home at a time.”

Close to 100 teaching spots remain open at TPS, Johnson said.

“Teachers are the foundation of our educational system, and stable housing is a cornerstone of their building careers and livelihoods in Tulsa,” she said. “We’re all-in supporting our educators, and this program illustrates how our community backs our teachers and continues to invest in our young people.”

 Representing the Chamber on stage Wednesday was Jonathan Long, the organization’s vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion. The Chamber plans to raise awareness for the campaign and advocate for affordable housing through its 2025 OneVoice Regional Legislative Agenda.

“The Tulsa Regional Chamber is committed to partnering with TPS to recruit and retain teachers and Tulsa’s future workforce by bringing housing stability to the educators who are ultimately responsible for supporting and developing young learners,” Long said. “…Teachers are our bread and butter. We can -- and we must -- give them all the essentials to succeed. Our future depends on it.”

About $1 million in private funds already has been raised for the program, Walker said.