Toya

The devastating loss of her high school sweetheart and life partner left her world completely upended. What followed was a journey through grief, displacement, and uncertainty that would eventually lead her to discover not just a place to live, but a path to rebuilding her entire life.

When life fell apart

Toya had spent 14 years building a life with her husband in Long Island, New York. They had been together since they were 15. “That’s where we thought that we were going to build our life,” she reflects. “But then in 2021, my husband passed away unexpectedly at work.”

The sudden loss brought immediate challenges beyond the overwhelming grief. Without the support she expected from family and friends during this difficult time, an illegal eviction forced her to leave her home. She moved back to New Jersey to stay with family, but even there, stability remained elusive as living arrangements repeatedly fell through.

The situation grew increasingly desperate. Staying with a family member meant hiding from the landlord who didn’t allow additional residents. When that arrangement ended, she found herself helping others financially while neglecting her own needs. “I was helping her pay her rent, helping her pay her bills, but not saving for myself,” she explains.

Searching for hope in desperate circumstances

Facing the possibility of shelter life in Camden, New Jersey, Toya knew she needed a different solution. “I was looking online, and the first thing that came to me was going to a shelter. I wasn’t too prideful to do that if I needed to, but even if I went to a shelter, I still wouldn’t be in a safe environment.”

While searching for alternatives online, she discovered PadSplit, a platform offering private, furnished rooms in shared homes with utilities included, flexible payment options, and no long-term lease requirements. After researching reviews and the company’s screening process, Toya made a life-changing decision.

“I immediately signed up and was moving across the country within a week,” she recalls. Using one of her monthly checks to buy a plane ticket to Houston, she committed fully to the move with no backup plan.

Finding sanctuary and community

The journey to Houston wasn’t smooth with severe weather and flight redirections, but when Toya finally arrived at her PadSplit, something fundamental shifted. “When I got to the house, I was finally able to breathe. I was able to settle in, and although I was nervous, it felt good.”

What she discovered went beyond a reasonably priced rental. Her host, Adeel, had thoughtfully provided essentials like dish soap, laundry detergent, and cleaning supplies—necessities that would have stressed her limited budget. “It was like my host was anticipating what people would need—not just providing a room, but necessities that would be stressful to buy in a new living situation.”

More importantly, Adeel’s welcoming approach set the tone for her entire experience. “He was very open about ‘If you need anything, let me know, don’t hesitate to ask.’ I’m not a person who asks for much, but I appreciate that he was openly telling me this, because I’ve never had that before.”

Rebuilding from the ground up

As housemates moved in, Toya found something unexpected: genuine community. “It felt like a little family. Even though we were all from different walks of life and going through our own challenges, the home was welcoming for everyone.”

The support extended throughout the PadSplit network. “I’ve met really good people through PadSplit—not just housemates, but even the host and the maintenance team who come to fix things. Everyone is just so friendly and open, and it allows you to breathe.”

This stability became the foundation for a remarkable financial recovery. In just one year at PadSplit, Toya’s credit score improved by 141 points, moving her into the “very good” range. The transformation was possible because PadSplit’s all-inclusive model eliminated the typical barriers to rebuilding.

“Look at PadSplit as investing in your own apartment,” she advises. “My rent is $412 every two weeks, so I put $206 away—at least half of what my rent costs. You don’t have to buy furniture or invest in utilities, so the things you would typically spend on your own apartment, you can save instead.”

Creating a new future

Today, Toya is building multiple businesses that reflect her spiritual calling and entrepreneurial spirit. She works as a spiritualist doing Reiki and energy work, and is developing a smoothie company focused on holistic wellness.

She has also become a content creator focusing on motivational speaking. “I try to provide intuitive guidance on how to look at even the worst situations and turn them around to see the best things possible that come out of them.”

The stability PadSplit provided has allowed her to transfer to a different PadSplit with more of the amenities she has dreamt of having while keeping the same trusted host, Adeel.

Paying it forward

Toya’s transformation has inspired a deeper commitment to PadSplit’s mission. “I believe that the first home I’m going to purchase, I’m going to work with PadSplit. I don’t just want to be a member anymore; I want to be part of the community helping people change lives.”

Her message to others facing similar challenges is one of hope grounded in practical wisdom: “I feel like if people really want to better themselves, using PadSplit is a way you can actually do that. I came here with nothing—with debt, stressed out—and now I’m in such a good place.”

For Toya, the journey from devastating loss to renewed hope demonstrates that with the right support and determination, it’s possible to transform even the most challenging circumstances into opportunities for growth and success. “I have my spark back. I have my smile back, and I’m excited for what tomorrow is going to bring.”

The power of second chances

Toya’s story illustrates how stable, accessible rentals can serve as the foundation for restructuring an entire life. When someone loses everything, having access to housing without crushing upfront costs, utility setup, and furniture expenses can mean the difference between surviving and thriving.

As she continues building her businesses and planning for homeownership, her story serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the most beautiful destinations.

Ready to take your next step? Explore room rentals in your city to get started on your own journey.