From Homeless to Homeowners | My Member Story

You know that feeling you get when you’ve been dreaming about something for so long, and you finally achieve it? Jan and Mike Paul know exactly how that feels! Together, they have overcome addiction and homelessness. Through it all, they have leaned on each other, focused on their common goals and are now proud homeowners!

It’s always inspiring to hear stories of people who have overcome obstacles to reach their goals. These stories of redemption and resilience serve as beacons of hope—Jan and Mike Paul are no different! After being in a tough situation for a few years, they were looking for a way out. Through determination, they managed to overcome their challenges and fulfill their long-cherished dreams.

Once upon a time

Jan and Mike went to the same junior high and high school. They didn’t really have the same friends, but they knew each other. Several years after graduation, they ran into each other by chance while out with friends and have been inseparable ever since.

They eventually got married, had three children and built a successful business. They thought they had it all—but life had other plans.

Jan and Mike started getting involved with drugs and, eventually, got into trouble. They had to sell their business to survive. Not only did they lose everything they had worked so hard to build, but they also lost their financial stability.

Finding hope

As they continued to experience hard times, Jan and Mike found themselves homeless. They tried staying with friends and family for a while but ultimately sought help at a local shelter. A home of their own was always the goal, but it took some time for them to believe it was possible. It wasn’t easy, but even during the hardest moments, their family always stuck together.

This flicker of hope ignited within them and compelled them to rise above their circumstances and reclaim their lives.

The road to recovery

Determined to break free from their situation, Jan and Mike embarked on a journey of recovery. With support for each other and hard work, they slowly began to rebuild their lives. As they regained stability, they set their sights on finding a place to call home—an opportunity that often seemed like a distant dream.

The moment they were able to move into an apartment was the beginning of many positive changes. They lived there for over a decade and worked tirelessly—paying their rent on time, rebuilding their credit and saving as much as they could. Although the apartment was much better than the shelter, they still wanted to accomplish their long-term dream of owning a home.

Achieving their dream

After years of steadfast dedication, and one failed attempt, Jan and Mike were finally able to purchase their very own house. This beautiful and long-awaited dream became a reality when they found their home somewhere very familiar to them—the very house where Mike grew up!

His parents were looking to downsize and loved the idea of keeping the home in the family. Mike loves taking care of the lawn he laid down 35 years ago and the roomy kitchen where he and Jan can cook together without bumping into each other.

To achieve their goal, Jan and Mike turned to Mountain America Credit Union for help. They loved working with a loan officer who cared for them and stuck with them through the whole process. Although they were overwhelmed at first, they were quickly put at ease while working with great people who guided them along their journey to homeownership.

Through their courage and determination, they transformed their lives from addiction and homelessness to fulfilling their dream of homeownership. Their story is an inspiration—showing that even in the face of immense challenges, dreams can be achieved, and a brighter future can be forged.

Congratulations, Jan and Mike! We wish you all the best in everything you do.