Teri’s Story

When Teri heard about VIDA, she thought it was too good to be true. At the time, Teri and her cats were living in a cold, moldy rental. Everybody’s health was suffering.

Through persistence with her VIDA plan and the real estate market, Teri now owns a home in rural Lane County. She has realized her dream of having a garden and a safe place for her cats.

“I am overjoyed that my dream of owning land to grow food and ‘pay forward’ has come true,” Teri said. She is now enjoying greatly improved health and is eager to start her garden.

Contact Information:
Coleen Stewart, Program Manager
705 Seneca Road
Eugene, OR 97402
(541) 687-5820

Individual Development Accounts

St. Vincent de Paul participates in the Valley Individual Development Account (VIDA) Program, a statewide coalition that helps rural households achieve major life and financial goals through matched savings, training, and support. Since 2002, St. Vincent de Paul's program has had 26 graduates; ten people graduated in 2009.

In the Matched Savings Program, VIDA provides an opportunity for low to moderate income households to build assets. Participants save for 6 to 36 months for one of the following assets:

• Post-secondary education,
• Home ownership, 
• Home repair and rehab, or 
• Specialized training, adaptive equipment, or technology. 

During the savings period (6 to 36 months), the IDA Specialist coaches the participants, addressing barriers, strengthening money handling skills, and helping them prepare for achieving their goals.

“The IDA program has given me the miracle of believing in myself again and for that I say thank you.” - Aleta, VIDA participant