“We are Family” – HOPE Coaches Create Unbreakable Bonds
Operation HOPE coaches are often seen as superheroes. Time and time again, they go above and beyond by looking for creative ways to help our clients meet their financial goals. Case in point: Columbus, GA-based Operation HOPE financial coach, Mike Lainez.

When former high school teacher, Felecia E., was first referred to Mike through a friend she was in a desperate situation. The long-term subsidized housing renter needed a new place to live but she couldn’t just lease any eligible apartment—Felecia needed a space that could accommodate her motorized wheelchair.

“I called and called apartment buildings and nobody was accepting Section 8 housing vouchers post-pandemic,” she said.

Enter Mike, who encouraged Felecia to dream big and consider homeownership, which was something that she didn’t think was in the cards for her. He discovered that NeighborWorks Columbus, an affordable housing nonprofit, was breaking ground on new homes in the community and encouraged Felecia to submit an application.

Together, they set about improving Felecia’s credit score—she’d need a score in the mid-700s to qualify for a mortgage loan on a NeighborWorks home, and hers was stuck in the 500s.

First up, they analyzed Felecia’s credit reports from all three credit reporting agencies: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. They discovered several medical bill collections that were not hers due to identity theft. They formally disputed the charges with the agencies, which resulted in their removal.

Next up, Mike encouraged Felecia to apply for a credit card so she could build up her credit history by paying the card in full and on time. In a little over a year, Felecia had bolstered her score by 150 points and was thrilled when she was approved for a mortgage loan on a custom-built home in Fall 2022!

The home closing in May 2023 was a joyous event.
“I’ve never had a custom-made suit, and now I have a custom-built home!” exclaimed Felecia.

Of course, her “little brother” Mike attended the closing.
“Without Mike and Operation HOPE this would not have happened. We’re family,” says Felecia about her Operation HOPE coach. [Felecia was featured in this story on the local CBS News channel in Columbus about her experience].

“Despite her physical limitations and past struggles with substance abuse, you’ll never meet anybody who lights up a room like Felecia. She has so much positive energy that it’s contagious. It’s a distinct privilege in my role at Operation HOPE to help long-term renters like Felecia become homeowners,” said Mike.

Comfortably settled in her new three-bedroom, two-bath custom-built home, Felecia is able to work from home and spread her own style of “HOPE.” She works for the Georgia Crisis Line, where she helps others dealing with suicide, gambling addiction and substance abuse, among other challenges.

With a strong financial foundation, she’s now looking to purchase an accessible van – and is working with Mike to make sure the payments will fit in her budget.

“The future is so bright, I need sunglasses,” laughed Felecia.