Hello, my name is Yesenia, and my story began three years ago when my mother passed away from breast cancer in 2017. It was during the first year after becoming mother-less – my first year of grieving – that I became pregnant.
At the time, I was living with my father, but envy, and jealousy became an issue at home. My older sister and brother weren’t okay with me being pregnant and living in our childhood home. They convinced my father to evict me; I didn’t know what to do. I was scared, devastated and alone. My motivation to keep going was my child, so I researched how to win an eviction. I had to win the respect back from my family. My father wasn’t satisfied with my actions, so he put a domestic violence restraining order on me. I didn’t understand why so much hate towards me. I moved out with my son when he was 6 months old. I felt disowned, disconnected, disorganized, but I had to go, so I did. Luckily, my church sister lived around the corner from my mom and dad’s house, and she took us in. I paid my friend $200/month for a bed space. I was blessed.
My son was getting older and needed more space. I found a room to rent with my own entrance for $600/month in Rialto, so I left. I moved farther away from “family,” the family that was supposed to care about me. I understand now that wasn’t the case. I lived at that location for a year and a half. I was finally able to call it home. I began my High School Diploma journey, I bought my first Mac computer, and my son was in a healthy environment. Everything was perfect until the landlord wanted to force himself in my room. That’s when everything ended. I was thrown out with only a small portion of my valuables. My sons’ clothes were left behind, all his toys, my pictures, memories of my mother… it was all left behind for my child’s safety and mine. Luckily, I was able to save money, and we lived in motels for 6 months. I couldn’t find a stable location anymore. My credit was not as good as I wanted it to be, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to fix my living situation.
In June 2021, a day before my mom’s death anniversary, my son and I went back to visit my father. I felt like I needed to apologize for not being the best daughter to him, but he didn’t care and told me to leave. I took my son and walked to the bus stop. I called my partner at the time, but he was in jail. I was alone again but then an angel came up to me and prayed for me and my son. I felt like it was a sign from my mom. Gosh, I miss her so much! This angel was a woman who told me that everything was going to be okay, and she gave me a business card from the Union Rescue Mission on Skid Row. I was sad but felt hopeful. That night, I took the bus to San Pedro and 6th street and checked myself and my son in. I was terrified the whole time I was there. It was my first time being a part of the “system.” It was a blessing to have found out that our government provides housing assistance for free.
I’m from traditional Mexican culture and descent. I was raised old-school. I’ve always worked hard to earn what I have. I pay taxes. So, even though this felt different, this was me living off the taxes I’ve been paying all these years. I felt safe. Ms. Thelma, the angel, was the biggest blessing I could’ve asked for at the time. She was caring, sweet, and very kind. I was there for a month and a half. My room was on the 5th floor, the view was amazing, but my journey continued. I moved out of Skid Row for the safety of my son and moved into the “The Pink House.” Wow, what a blessing! I got to experience the good old saying “where the rich and the poor meet.” Living at the Wallis House has taught me to stay humble and independent.
My next goal is to move out of the Wallis House soon, so I can continue my journey in life. Thank you so much to Maricela, Director of Wallis House, for believing in me and my son. Thanks to the maintenance crew for keeping the Wallis House nice and clean.
While living at the Wallis House, Maricela told me about an admin job position being offered at Aviva. I took the opportunity as a step closer to the goals I wanted to accomplish in life. After four interviews, I finally obtained the RHAS/RSS Admin Assistant position. I would like to thank Maricela once again for believing in my journey. Thank you and God bless you.
-Yesenia T., Wallis House Resident