Maria was living in Arizona and decided she wanted to retire here in Grants Pass. Right before the pandemic, she decided to relocate. Upon arriving she discovered that it would not be as easy as she thought to secure housing. Over the next few months, she depleted her life’s savings trying to stay afloat in hotel rooms. Once her savings had been depleted, she began to use her credit card to ward off sleeping on the street. With nowhere else to turn, Maria came to the Mission. Upon intake we began to chisel out a plan for her. Budgeting to pay off her credit card, getting set up with primary care, and connecting with several resources in town to get her set up the best we could.
Maria is known as the quiet woman who kept mostly to herself. Her days were filled with routines, her nights with soft glow of her favorite lamp and the sound of pages turning in her beloved books. But beneath her serene exterior lay a silent struggle. It was a constant shadow, lurking in the corners of her mind, whispering doubts and fears, her debt. Her other debt came up in a conversation in one of Maria’s monthly reviews. Total she had over $9000 dollars that she owed. On that day, Maria decided. With determination as her guide she agreed to follow a strict budget and payment schedule to pay off her debt. It wasn’t easy. There were sacrifices, moments of doubt, but Maria pressed on. She found solace in the support of the program and the newfound clarity that it brought.
Months passed and with each passing day, Maria chipped away at her debt, bit by bit. She embraced frugality, cutting unnecessary expenses and saving every penny she could. Her perseverance paid off, both figuratively and literally. Finally, the day arrived when Maria stood tall, debt free and with savings to spare. It was a moment of quiet triumph, one that she celebrated in her own understated way. With her newfound financial freedom, Maria made another bold move. She found a cozy little apartment, a place to call her own. It is quaint but filled with light and it felt like home from the moment she stepped inside.
As she settled into her new home Maria felt a sense of peace wash over her. The weight that had once burdened her was lifted replaced by a lightness that she hadn’t felt in some time. Though she may have been a quiet woman, Maria’s journey spoke volumes. It is a testament to the power of resilience, determination and the strength that lives within us all no matter our age or circumstance.
By: Monica Conley, Women’s Coordinator