When Debbie Butz arrived in Bend with her 4 children , she stayed in a shelter to escape an abusive relationship. Shortly after her arrival, she started working as a substitute bus driver and moved into an apartment. In 2000 Debbie began receiving rental assistance from Housing Works and in September 2002, Debbie started the Family Self-Sufficiency Program with goals of obtaining full-time employment, cleaning up her credit, and becoming a homeowner.
With mentoring and support, Debbie accessed various education opportunities and community resources to accomplish her goals. Debbie utilized the resume and interviewing services offered at COIC. Soon after she gained full-time employment, with benefits for her and her children, with at Bend LaPine School District as a bus driver for the children with special needs. Debbie more than doubled her income, released her food stamp assistance, and began receiving deposits into her Escrow Savings Account.
Debbie completed Financial Fitness classes and with the help of credit counseling, increased her credit score over 50 points. She developed a spending plan and starting saving money in her Individual Development Account (IDA) for her goal of Homeownership.
With all of the accomplishments Debbie was making on the FSS Program, Habitat for Humanity selected her for a home in June, 2006. Debbie graduated from the FSS Program with the largest Escrow Balance in the history of the Housing Works’ Program and is now enjoying her success as a homeowner.
