Building Roots Foundation is dedicated to transforming the lives of Oklahoma families by providing affordable, energy-efficient housing solutions using modular shipping containers and solar technology and offers hands-on training through workforce development opportunities in homebuilding and related careers.

Our objectives:

• Provide affordable, energy-efficient housing solutions using modular shipping containers and solar technology to hard-working families and individuals who otherwise cannot get a traditional home mortgage approved through our lease-to-own program, as well as partnering with other organizations wanting to assist with our community's housing crisis.
• Through our efforts and by partnering with local solar companies, we reduce installation and energy costs for families in need while fostering community growth and reducing their carbon footprint. 
• Additionally, we empower at-risk youth and residents by offering hands-on training and workforce development opportunities in homebuilding and related careers through a partnership with the Central Oklahoma Workforce Innovation Board (COWIB).
• Through these strategic collaborations, we adopt a comprehensive approach to community development. We actively partner with other service organizations to leverage resources, broaden impact, and address the diverse needs of the communities we serve. This amplifies our ability to foster sustainable change, creating resilient networks of support that uplift individuals and families and contribute to long-term community well-being.

About Us

It is our heartfelt aspiration Building Roots Foundation (BRF) to aid in the realization of homeownership dreams.  Encouraging a sense of pride, security and stability.  This noble initiative is dedicated to extending a helping hand to individuals who often encounter overwhelming obstacles on the path to traditional homeownership.  In a landscape where such aspirations may seem unattainable, we strive to provide a beacon of hope, enabling individuals to realize the dream of owning their own home.

Our mission is driven by the belief that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the opportunity to create a secure and nurturing environment for their loved ones.  We recognize and honor qualities such as dedication, perseverance, and a strong work ethic, which are inherent in those who seek to build a brighter future for their families.

Our Founder

Ronnie Baugh has been a committed entrepreneur since 2000, drawing on his deep roots in the restaurant industry to establish and grow the Baugh family of businesses - BR Custom Homes, Baugh Rentals, BR Handyman, BR Electric & Solar, and now Building Roots Foundation. Notably, his grandfather, Troy Smith, was the founder of the renowned fast-food chain Sonic, further inspiring Ronnie's commitment to excellence in business.  Ronnie received a marketing degree from TCU and eventually returned to Oklahoma where he became involved in home sales and ultimately became a home builder and landlord, which he has been doing for the past 25 years. 

Our Executive Director 

Demetrius Bell grew up in Chicago, where my mother raised five children with the help of our family and close friends. He has spent his entire career working in the human services field after forgoing a possible career in architecture.  Demetrius received a degree in recreation administration and became the director of a Chicago-based social service agency residential camp just outside of the city. In 2003, he moved to Oklahoma where he continued his human service work. He worked for OKDHS, was a case manager/clerk for the Oklahoma Supreme and Juvenile Courts, he was a director for the Oklahoma County Juvenile Bureau and most recently served as the community center director for one of Oklahoma City's largest churches, before helping to start Building Roots Foundation.

Together, we hold the power to change lives in profound and lasting ways. At Building Roots Foundation, your support doesn’t just help us build homes — it builds hope, dignity, and opportunity. Because of you, we are able to provide safe, sustainable housing and critical job training to individuals and at-risk youth who are working hard to create a better future for themselves and their families.

Each contribution brings us one step closer to a world where every person has a place to call home and the tools they need to thrive. This mission is personal, and we’re excited to share that we’ve selected our very first families to receive homes — real people, with real dreams, just waiting for a chance.

Among them are two courageous single mothers determined to provide stability for their children, a dedicated single father working tirelessly to raise his family, and a passionate school music teacher and his wife, a worship leader at a small local church, raising their 11-month-old son with faith and love. We’re also supporting a very young couple just beginning their journey together, full of hope as they look forward to starting a family of their own.

These are just some of the first faces behind our mission. These are the lives your support is touching.

Together, we are not just constructing houses — we are building roots. Thank you for standing with us and believing in a future where every family has the foundation they need to grow, flourish, and belong.

Join us in making a lasting impact—because strong roots create stronger communities.

Listed below are some examples of cost for our home styles (without land) that your donations will support:

1 Bed 1 Bath = $90K

2 Bed 2 Bath = $144K

3 Bed 2 Bath w Garage = $192K (pictured above)

We are grateful for your tax-deductible donation to Building Roots Foundation upon our pending IRS approval or our local nonprofit fiscal sponsorship whichever comes first.