Lending A Hand Where It is Needed

Tellisha Crawford, a recruiter for Goodwill, had always dreamt of owning a home. Crawford and her husband wanted to create a loving environment for their two adopted children. Mounting medical bills, other debts and a low credit score, however, prevented her from securing a mortgage. Then, she learned about Hope Credit Union through a success coach during orientation at Goodwill. With the introduction made, she approached HOPE’s team in Biloxi, Mississippi. HOPE staff reassured Crawford that they would help no matter her situation. A close look at her finances showed that she could lower her monthly debt payments and boost her credit score by refinancing her auto loan. After HOPE closed the loan, she found herself in a situation where she qualified for the mortgage and shared “I believe in giving a hand up and not a handout… HOPE lifts its members up.”