Despite earning $16 an hour, a local woman has demonstrated discipline and resilience, going from being homeless to now owning a home, proving that homeownership is achievable with financial education and community support. “I feel very powerful because I tell people now that I’m a homeowner and I got my own house and that feels good to say that,” Lynchburg resident Aretha Eubanks said. Through community partnerships coming alongside Eubanks, she was able to purchase her first home located on Pansy Street right off Bedford Avenue in September.
When asked if she ever thought homeownership would be in her future, she simply replied: “I didn’t really have a future. I was just trying to get out of my situation I was in.” Kristen Nolan, director of housing services at Miriam’s House, has been a longtime advocate and support system for Eubanks.
“Aretha became homeless after her longtime partner passed away suddenly. She had no way to maintain her housing on her own,” Nolan said. “She is a fighter and a survivor, someone with immense grit and determination.
I’ve worked in this field for 12 years, and I can confidently say I’ve rarely encountered someone as hardworking as Aretha.” In 2015, Eubanks moved into Miriam’s House after spending time at the Salvation Army. With the help of the organization, she secured employment and moved into her own apartment by January 2016.
“We kept up through an aftercare support group,” Nolan said. “It helped her stay.