A Future with 101 Financial // Eric used to be Homeless.

28 Apr 2022 · 3 min

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2:35

The video features an interview with Eric, a 53‑year‑old former homeless individual from San Jose, California. Eric recounts his past living under a bridge, cleaning toilets, and serving time in prison before becoming clean and sober fifteen years ago. A friend encouraged him to apply for a VTA driver position on route 22, a route he once rode to stay dry, where he now greets and prays for the many homeless riders. Financially, Eric was living paycheck to paycheck, burdened by 16 credit cards and roughly $60,000 in debt. After being introduced to the 101 Financial program, he used its tools to eliminate his debt within 18 months, gaining the ability to consider buying a house and achieving broader financial freedom. Inspired by his turnaround, Eric decided to become an instructor for 101 Financial, aiming to teach budgeting and debt‑free strategies to others, especially those struggling with homelessness. He expresses deep gratitude toward ONEONONE, Alan, his instructor Anna, and the San Jose team, emphasizing a collective mission to change lives and the world.

My name's Eric, and I am from San Jose, California. 10 years ago, I was cleaning toilets, porta-potties. 15 years ago, I was sleeping underneath a bridge, homeless.
About 40% of the people who ride the 22 overnight are homeless. For them, Eric always offers a hello and says a prayer. Tell me what it was like when you first got behind the wheel of the 22.
It was emotional because I used to ride the 22 to stay dry.
After years of working odd jobs, a friend encouraged Eric to apply to VTA and finally start a career.
So I have 15 years clean and sober. Um, prior to that, I was in prison. All that negative stuff, hustling, all that stuff. And, uh, I got clean and then I was introduced to 101 Financial. I was living paycheck to paycheck. I had 16 credit cards. I was about $60,000 in debt. Uh, in 18 months, I've been able to become debt-free through 101 using the tools. I want to buy a house. I want to, I want, you know what I mean, I have the financial freedom and I also want to, I want to share what's worked with me is why I've chosen to become an instructor. Show them how to become debt-free and to be and have a budget and be a productive member of society. Yeah, just give it a shot, you know what I mean, it's, it's worth it. So it's— I've seen it work for my instructor and many others, and I chose to do it. And it's been the best, the second best thing that I've ever been able to accomplish. You know what I mean? I thought I'd never live to be 21 years old, and I'm 53. And, you know, I got a career now with a great company. And, you know, I just wanna spread the wealth, spread the knowledge. I'm grateful for ONEONONE. Grateful for Alan. I'm grateful for my instructor, Anna, and our San Jose team right here. And we're gonna change the world.