Children: Marilena, Albert, Maribel, and Joshua

Erica carries many roles with quiet strength and remarkable consistency. As a single mother of four—Marilena, Albert, Maribel, and Joshua—and an employee of the State of California, she balances work, parenting, and community involvement with a deep commitment to giving her children a more stable future. Everything she does reflects that focus.
Before moving into her Habitat home, Erica and her children shared a small two-bedroom home with another family. The arrangement underscored how urgently they needed a more permanent and supportive living situation. Limited space affected daily routines, privacy, and the family’s ability to settle into the kind of home life that helps children feel grounded and secure. Even with those challenges, Erica remained steadfast in her determination to move forward.
What stands out most in Erica’s story is the way she continues showing up for her family with resilience and purpose. She carries the responsibilities of being the sole provider while also nurturing her children’s growth and well-being. Her vision of homeownership has always been about more than space alone. It has been about independence, peace of mind, and the opportunity to create a stronger foundation for every member of her household.
That vision is now part of everyday life. In her Habitat home, Erica’s family has room to study, play, and grow in ways that were far more difficult before. The home provides stability not only in a practical sense, but emotionally as well. It gives Erica the reassurance of knowing her children are growing up in a place that reflects the security and care she has worked so hard to provide.
For Erica, this home marks a transformative step forward. It opens the door to lasting memories, greater confidence in the future, and a deeper sense of independence. Most importantly, it gives her family a place where possibility feels real—where each child has space to thrive, and where the life Erica has been building finally has room to unfold.
Homeowner Stories