Veronica, a U.S. Air Force veteran and single mother, has spent years searching for a stable home for her family. Alongside her children, Lauryn and Josiah, she has moved from community to community across Southern California—and even out of state—in search of housing they could afford.
“We don’t want to have to move out of state, and we’ve even tried that before, but we love California,” Veronica shared.
Like many working families, Veronica found that rising housing costs continued to outpace wage growth. Despite securing better-paying jobs and doing everything she could to stay ahead, affordable housing remained out of reach.
“I found a job in the Inland Empire that paid a lot better, so eventually my goal was to move out there to live and work in the same area, but it’s just a struggle to maintain the rent. The rent goes up 10% and your wages go up 3% if at all,” explained Veronica.
The housing challenges affected every part of family life. In their two-bedroom apartment, Veronica gave each of her children a bedroom and turned the dining room into her own sleeping space.
“I have my bed in the dining room. We got rid of the dining room table, so we just eat our meals on the couch,” she said.
For years, homeownership felt impossible. But through Habitat for Humanity, Veronica’s dream of providing stability for her family became a reality.
When asked what she is looking forward to most in her new home, her answer was simple and heartfelt: “I finally get my own room. I’d have my own space.”
For Veronica, a home means more than four walls and a roof. It means stability. It means security. It means creating a future where her children can thrive without the uncertainty of having to move again.
Because every family deserves a place to call home.
