How Ethel Collins Built Financial Freedom Through Rent Reporting Bayview Towers, Stamford, Connecticut
platform founded by Wemimo Abbey, which reports positive rent payments—unlike the traditional system that only flags missed ones. This disparity has long disadvantaged renters, with more than 45 million Americans remaining credit-invisible. Esusu aims to close that gap by tapping into a previously overlooked data source: consistent rent payments. Thanks to Esusu, Ms. Collins was able to establish a credit score for the first time. With help from Bayview’s Resident Services Coordinator, Tsani, she researched and applied for a Capital One credit card. Now, she uses her card to pay for medication, groceries, and the occasional treat—and immediately pays off the balance each month with a money order, since she’s still unbanked. “Living on a fixed income means if I can’t use cash, I have to wait until the next month,” she explained. “Now I have the flexibility. I even have the freedom to eat out or treat myself once in a while. It feels good.”w The economic potential of this kind of access is enormous. Esusu calculates that widespread rent reporting could unlock $4.1 trillion in economic value, generate hundreds of millions in tax revenue, and significantly boost GDP—all while advancing equity for renters like Ms. Collins, who are often left behind by traditional financial systems. Her journey is a powerful example of how mission- aligned partnerships, forward-thinking technology, and resident support services can work together to build lasting financial mobility. With her newfound credit, Ethel Collins is enjoying more than just better access—she’s reclaiming her independence.
ETHEL COLLINS, a senior resident at Bayview Towers in Stamford, CT, has always lived carefully on a fixed income. Like many older adults, she budgeted strictly, often having to delay purchases until her next check arrived. That began to change when Operation Pathways introduced an innovative rent reporting program powered by Esusu Inc. “When Operation Pathways first brought this program to Bayview, I opted in right away because I knew it was a good opportunity,” said Ms. Collins. “Having Esusu report my on-time payments has helped me so much. When I saw how high my credit score was, I was shocked.” Before enrolling, Ms. Collins had no credit history. Her credit report only listed Esusu, the AI-driven
Where Ethel lives matters.
5
Powered by FlippingBook