When Briana Lewis turned 18, she faced adulthood with no safety net. After growing up in foster care, she was left to figure out life on her own without guidance or financial support.
“I was put beside the road with all my belongings, which wasn’t much… but as an 18-year-old, I had to figure out how to survive in the world,” Briana shared.
Having moved frequently throughout her childhood—living in different states and even another country—stability had always felt out of reach. “I aged out of foster care at 18, and the government just dismissed me. I didn’t have family, resources, or even the knowledge on how to apply for an apartment,” she explained.
A lifeline during challenging times
Years later, Briana found herself feeling stuck in an unhealthy relationship despite working hard and keeping a job. “I was in a relationship that wasn’t really healthy for me,” she shared. “I was still figuring out life, working hard but struggling to catch up,” said Briana.
It was during this time that Briana came across a PadSplit advertisement on YouTube.
“I kept seeing the commercials. At first, I didn’t think much about it, but then I started really looking into it,” she said. “I remember thinking, ‘Wow, I wish I had known about this way back when I aged out of foster care—it would have saved me so much heartache.'”
What stood out most was PadSplit’s accessibility. “It was really easy to navigate. For someone like me who didn’t have a lot of guidance on things like renting, it was a lifesaver,” Briana explained.
“The day I moved in, it felt so peaceful..”
In December 2024, Briana moved into a PadSplit home in Jacksonville, Florida, and immediately felt a sense of relief. “The first day I moved in, it felt so peaceful,” she recalled joyfully. “I finally had somewhere secure, somewhere safe.”
Overcome with emotion, she reflected on how profound the moment felt after years of instability. “It wasn’t sad tears—it was happy tears. I felt so relieved.”
She also felt genuinely supported by her PadSplit host, Kat. “Kat was wonderful. She wasn’t just someone renting out a room. She really cared about who was living there. She was quick to respond and made me feel really welcome,” Briana said.
The positive atmosphere extended to her roommates. “Everyone is very friendly and keeps to themselves. We say good morning, and we all work hard. It’s peaceful here,” she added.
Building financial confidence through credit and savings
Beyond providing secure housing, PadSplit gave Briana the tools to take control of her financial health. “My credit was shot for a couple of years,” she explained. “Unfortunately, my biological mother did some things that hurt my credit, so it was really low for a while”.
The impact of damaged credit can be overwhelming, especially for young adults aging out of the foster care system without financial guidance. A poor credit score can make it difficult to secure a lease, open utility accounts, or access better financial opportunities. Briana, like many in her situation, felt stuck in a cycle that was hard to break.
Through PadSplit’s partnership with Esusu, her rent payments were automatically reported to major credit bureaus, allowing her to build positive credit history simply by making her weekly payments. For Briana, this benefit was a game changer. “Since moving in and making my payments, my score has already gone up by 20 points,” she shared. “It’s helping so much already”.
Gaining access to healthcare for the first time
PadSplit’s member benefits extended beyond housing and financial health. The membership also provides 24/7 access to Teladoc, a telemedicine service that allows members to consult with licensed healthcare professionals from anywhere. This resource was particularly meaningful for Briana, who had struggled with accessing healthcare after aging out of foster care.
“As a foster child, I never learned how to take care of my health or how to schedule a doctor’s appointment,” she shared. “With Teladoc, I can reach out and get help without feeling embarrassed. It’s easy, and it makes me feel secure as an adult”.
Flexible options to plan for the future
Briana found herself drawn to PadSplit’s 12-week minimum commitment because it provided both structure and flexibility for her financial goals.
“I love how PadSplit offers the 12-week commitment option. It’s flexible—it gives you time to build up your money, save a little, and then you can decide if you want to stay longer or try to move into your own apartment,” she explained.
Currently, Briana plans to stay for the full 12-week period while focusing on saving money and continuing to improve her credit. “My goal right now is to stay the whole 12 weeks, save up, and then see from there whether I want to get my own apartment or extend my stay with PadSplit to keep saving money,” she said.
Longer-term, she’s considering using the financial progress she’s making to invest in her future. “I may stay longer to save up for a car or even invest in something I’m passionate about. I love to cook and would like to explore more education for that in the future,” she added.
Advocating for foster care youth
Briana’s experience has transformed her into a passionate advocate for others aging out of the foster care system, recognizing how critical safe, affordable housing can be during this life transition. “I’ve recommended PadSplit to every foster care kid I know. Two of my friends have already moved into PadSplit homes because of me,” she shared.
She sees PadSplit as more than just housing—it’s a stepping stone toward stability, financial independence, and peace of mind. But she knows there’s still more work to be done to reach those who need it most. “So many of us age out with nowhere to go, and this could be the answer,” she emphasized.
By sharing her story, Briana hopes to empower other young adults facing similar challenges and spark conversations about how housing solutions can create lasting change for those transitioning out of the foster care system.
The stability Briana needed to thrive
Thanks to PadSplit, Briana feels more stable and optimistic about her future.
“PadSplit has given me the chance to slow down and catch up,” she said. “I’ve always felt like I was trying to keep up with everyone else, but now I’m saving money, building my credit, and thinking about my future.”
As she continues her journey, PadSplit remains a vital part of her progress. “It’s given me peace of mind. I don’t have to worry about a lot of stuff right now. I can just work, pay my rent, and be okay,” she shared.
Briana’s story is a powerful reminder that secure, affordable housing doesn’t just provide shelter—it transforms lives. For her, PadSplit has provided not just a place to live but a foundation for growth, stability, and a brighter future.
