This month, Working Credit is honored to feature Varisse, a resilient mother of a five-year-old daughter who has navigated the significant challenges associated with housing insecurity. Despite these difficulties, she demonstrates remarkable gratitude for life and exhibits a steadfast determination to cultivate a brighter future for herself and her child.
Since her own childhood, Varisse has nurtured a dream of a life filled with travel and beauty. She yearns for the freedom to explore the world and experience all it has to offer. However, the challenge of unexpected homelessness imposed significant limitations on her aspirations. Living in a shelter, Varisse often felt a sense of constraint that sparked a deep longing for freedom. Nevertheless, she recognized the importance of the shelter’s structure and guidance as essential steps toward a better future. Driven by her ambitions, Varisse made a significant commitment to improving the quality of life for both herself and her daughter. “Having a child, I didn’t want her to see me go through so many struggles; I didn’t want history to repeat itself.” she reflected. Varisse carefully considered how her actions would influence her daughter, understanding that her dedication and perseverance would serve as a valuable example for her.
Ms. Baptise, a trusted mentor and leader at the shelter where Varisse lived, introduced her to Working Credit and inquired if she would be interested in the credit-building program. Varisse responded with a hope filled, “Yes!” Inspired to enhance her understanding of credit building and finance, she finally found the opportunity to acquire the essential knowledge she had been seeking. “I knew I had to understand finances. Like, you’re always told to save growing up, but no one is actually guiding you on how to save.”
With the support of Derison, her credit building counselor at Working Credit, Varisse has achieved incredible milestones. She increased her credit score by 100 points, cut her debt in half, and secured better housing. Varisse had the following to say about her counselor, Derison: “He’s great! He was always checking in and letting me know my progress. He was with me through the journey and cheering me on, and that was nice because sometimes you get lost in the sauce, and you don’t realize your progress.”
Varisse is dedicated to correcting misconceptions about unhoused individuals. She emphasizes that the stereotypes of laziness and lack of character are often wrongly attributed to those experiencing homelessness. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathy, urging society to treat homeless individuals with respect and dignity.
Varisse’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. Her resilience, determination, and unwavering hope inspire us all to support individuals experiencing homelessness and work towards a more compassionate and equitable society.
Varisse is making strides toward financial freedom. She aims to achieve an even stronger credit score and eliminate her debts, enabling her to pursue her dreams and provide a stable and secure life for her daughter.
When asked what building credit means to her, Varisse responded, “Build Credit, Build Your Life!”
