Getting on a Better Pathway

By necessity, Katiesha Soth and her family bounced around a lot – living unhoused made them always looking out for a place that would offer an opportunity for stability in their lives, and especially, a home. The family of six had spent a few years without a home, often with long days in the park and nights in community shelters.

With limited income and poor credit, in 2024 they were living first in a motel and eventually staying at a COTS shelter in Burlington.

It was while living in the shelter that Katiesha connected with Champlain Housing Trust’s Ready Set Rent Program, which is designed to help rental applicants with poor or no credit become prepared to rent from CHT. Through individual counseling Katiesha and her husband were able to gain a better understanding of what debt they owed and how it impacted their ability to find housing.

“The most helpful thing for me was getting my credit check and working with staff about how I could fix it. In this life everything really goes off credit. They showed me there were things I could do.”

Katiesha and her husband also developed a positive relationship with CHT counselors who supported them throughout the process and invited them to community events like CHT’s Annual Members’ Day Picnic.

“There were times when I felt overwhelmed and lost and they just me know that they had me and I could trust them. That one-on-one support really helped us get here. Without that I don’t think it would’ve been possible.”

The couple were able to address their credit issues and put themselves on a pathway toward finding an apartment for their family through CHT. Finding stable housing, which once seemed so daunting, now felt like something that was achievable.

“I tell everyone: ‘They’ll work with you. Don’t feel discouraged, even if there are some things on your credit report that are a problem, they’ll help you.’”

After years of uncertainty about where they would be spending the night, last fall the family moved into a recently built 3-bedroom apartment at Dover Place in South Burlington. The family now has a home with space for everyone, at a price that they can afford.

“Without the program and CHT, rent would’ve been more than $3,000. We would never have been able to do that.”

Now they are enjoying their quiet street and focusing on putting down roots in their new neighborhood. Even on a dark wintery day, she sounds optimistic about what comes next.

“It’s been such a blessing.”