In 2025, I reached out to Soldier On for rapid housing assistance, close to being homeless.  Like many Veterans, I live on a fixed income, I could not renew my lease and needed funds for a security deposit for a new place.  I had rented almost my whole life, in this hardship with no support.  My case manager Angela Furnamek at Soldier On helped me secure a new apartment, also providing various resources such as their financial education program to help rebuild my credit.  I had utilized a group back in 2022 to help me dispute errors on my credit card, paying them 100 dollars a month for over a year with no success, never improving my credit score and left discourage in ever finding a home and improving my credit score. I figured why not give this free resource a try.

I connected with my financial counselor Jacob Merrit over a year ago, my credit score at the time was 586.  Jacob went over every item on my credit report and clear instructions on how and what to dispute, I had over 8 inquires reporting negatively on my credit report.  Immediately I did my due diligence and disputed all credit inquiries, during our next counseling session 30 days after, Jacob notified me all were removed from my credit score.  Each month we met and gradually I saw my credit score increase to 734.  Witnessing my credit score improve motivated me, I was able to get credit cards, utilizing them responsibly to further increase my credit score. With a new improved credit score I kept thinking about my biggest dream in becoming a homeowner. In 2019, I applied for home loan only to be told I could not get preapproval, not fully understanding what was holding me back, leaving me discouraged.  In August 2026, after a consultation with Jacob, I pursued a VA home loan that was instantly approved.

The day I got preapproved, I went house hunting, and the first bid I placed on a home was successful, purchasing under the sales price.  In addition, the seller’s concessions will be paying my closing costs, another blessing knowing I won’t have to put anything down to purchase this home in October 2026. Thanks to all the support from Soldier On and its free financial counseling program, helping me become a VA homeowner.