Believing for a Better Life

Quentin and Rebekah Gulley came to Columbia a year ago to get a fresh start and live near Quentin’s brother. Rebekah shared, “We wanted our boys to grow up with cousins.”

Quentin easily found work but like many in Columbia the family struggled to find affordable housing. When COVID-19 hit, they were paying by the week at a local hotel. Suddenly, Quentin’s employer shut down the business and they had no way to pay for their room. The hotel manager referred them to Love INC and with the help of Columbia supporters, we were able to keep them in their room. A month later they moved into a Love INC Extra Mile transition home.

Rebekah says, “Love INC answered my prayers and has changed our lives. Getting to live for three months at the Extra Mile Home allowed us to pay off debt and save. I saw my husband have hope for the first time. He started to believe that we could have a better life. He tells me now that we will never be broke again.”

The Gulleys are now settled in an income-based apartment and nearly finished with our Extra Mile financial coaching program. Their coach, Gary Anger, says, “They are a delightful couple. Each week they faithfully do their assigned homework and are hitting all their financial goals. They track all their expenses and have every bill paid on time.”

Gary is amazed by how well the coaching has gone as they have had to do it all by phone due to COVID-19. “We have managed to make it work with screen shots and phone calls but I’m really looking forward to getting to meet them in person someday.”

Rebekah says that the Extra Mile program has strengthened their marriage and allowed her to dream of someday owning a home. “We now have the tools to get there and hope in our hearts that anything is possible.”