Meet Berdina Howard, a proud alumna of Acts Housing’s Power Pack, whose journey to homeownership is nothing short of inspiring. Berdina faced significant challenges along the way, from bankruptcy and a low credit score to the difficulty of budgeting effectively. But what sets her story apart is how she turned those obstacles into stepping stones, equipped with the knowledge and confidence she gained through the Acts Power Pack program.
The Struggles: A Journey Through Financial Setbacks
Berdina was first introduced to Acts Housing through her church, Evolve. Acts Housing and Evolve partnered to host Power Pack, a cohort of families and individuals who met monthly for a 90-minute session to strengthen their financial capabilities, learn how to improve their credit and get on the path toward homeownership. Berdina needed at least one year of financial preparation to become a homeowner. A bankruptcy had left a stain on her credit, making it difficult even to imagine the possibility of owning a home. Her credit score was low, and she was often overwhelmed by her inability to manage a budget that could set her on a path toward financial stability.
“I didn’t think I was going to be able to afford getting into a house, but through Acts Housing they helped me a lot. My coach helped me. I gave up at first, matter of fact a few times. He said ‘Don’t give up, don’t give up’. So, I didn’t give up, I gave it one more shot.”
The Power Pack Difference: Knowledge, Confidence, and Change
Acts Power Pack is designed to equip individuals with the tools they need to take control of their financial future. Through the program, Berdina learned not only about budgeting, but also about credit, saving, and the broader financial landscape that many people don’t even realize they can navigate.
“It was the information. It was well worth it. I learned how to budget my money. You pay your bills first. Don’t try and go on trips, pay your bills, keep on top of your bills, and keep on top of that credit. If I could go through the class again I would do it”
The knowledge Berdina gained allowed her to see that changing her financial habits wasn’t an impossible task—it was a series of small, intentional steps that would eventually lead to the goal she’d been dreaming of: homeownership.
Equipped by Small Changes: Building Confidence and Momentum
For Berdina, the real breakthrough came when she began to apply the tools and strategies from the program. Rebuilding her credit wasn’t a quick fix, but she was equipped with the knowledge of how to improve it over time. Berdina began paying off credit card debts, paying bills on time, and strategically budgeting. And as her financial habits began to shift, so did her confidence.
“I was determined. I had lived with my family for years. It was a long journey but I had come so far I was not about to give up.”
The Dream Realized: Homeownership
After months of hard work and dedication, Berdina’s efforts finally paid off. Her credit score improved, her budget was on track, and by July 7th, 2024, she was pre-approved for a mortgage. Proud of this major milestone, Berdina began her search for the perfect home. She spent hours browsing listings online and meeting with various realtors, ultimately touring eight different homes and putting in four offers.
“It was a challenging journey,” Berdina reflects. “I had to be sure this was the right fit for me. I looked at every detail—the house, the neighborhood, the safety of the area. I needed peace of mind that this was the one.”
On September 20th, 2024, Berdina closed on her new home in the Roosevelt Grove neighborhood.
“My rent used to be $1,400, and now my mortgage is just $600,” she says. “It’s not just about saving money—it’s about peace of mind. When you’re living within your means, you’re not overspending. That’s priceless.”
The Takeaway: Empowerment happens during the journey
Knowledge and resources are the foundation for making informed financial decisions, and with Acts Housing, participants gain the confidence to take control of their financial future. The journey to homeownership isn’t just about buying a house—it’s about equipping individuals to transform their financial lives and feel confident in their ability to achieve their goals.
