Finding Independence: Destiny’s First Home Journey
At just 22 years old, Destiny is already living out a dream that many people don’t reach until much later in life: becoming a first-time homeowner.
After graduating from Old Dominion University in 2024, Destiny began graduate school in Digital Merchandising and Retail while working at Dollar Tree’s corporate headquarters as an Allocation Analyst and was eventually promoted to Replenishment Analyst. Raised in a military family that always owned their homes, she knew from the start that she wanted the same sense of stability. “My goal was financial independence, my own space, and building generational wealth,” she shared.
Destiny first learned about the City of Chesapeake’s HOME Program for First-Time Homebuyers through her mother, but her financial situation initially led to a two-month deferral. That’s when she was referred to The Up Center.
Working with her housing counselor, Charnette Simmons, became a turning point. “Charnette was awesome and encouraging. She’s blunt and honest, but not in a cruel way. She helped me refocus my finances and really showed me what was possible.”
During this time, Destiny received a promotion that moved her outside of the city grant program. With guidance from The Up Center, she found support through Virginia Housing’s SPARCS program and kept moving forward toward her dream.
In July 2025, Destiny purchased her first home. “It felt awesome,” she said. “It didn’t even hit me until the final walk-through before closing. Then I thought, wow—this is really mine.”
For Destiny, owning her home means more than just four walls. It is a symbol of independence, confidence, and possibility. She’s enjoying the chance to design her own space and says she’s even becoming a bit of a homebody.
She is also looking toward the future with confidence, knowing The Up Center’s ongoing post-purchase counseling will keep her on track. “I learned that even after you own the home, you have to keep building your savings so you can maintain it. That gave me so much confidence.”
When she posted her homeownership journey on Instagram, she was congratulated by friends, family, and especially members of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Inc. Her community all wanted to know how she did it. . Her answer was simple: “I recommend The Up Center a hundred times over. Walk by faith, not by sight, and believe in yourself. Being a homeowner is easier than you think.”
Help More People Find Their Independence
Destiny’s journey shows what’s possible when the right support meets determination. Every day, The Up Center helps individuals and families build stability, financial confidence, and brighter futures through housing and financial counseling.
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