Melissa has built her life around helping others—providing mental health support to underserved communities through her work at a nonprofit in San Diego. But at home, she and her 12-year-old son, Jadiel, have faced their own challenges—living in a cramped 350-square-foot studio apartment with no designated bedrooms, limited kitchen access, and unsafe conditions that have gone unresolved for months.
Despite these hardships, Melissa never lost sight of her goals: to create a safe, stable foundation for her family and set an example of resilience, growth, and possibility for her son. Now, thanks to Habitat for Humanity, Melissa and Jadiel are preparing to move into their first real home—one they can call their own.
Melissa’s path to homeownership has been shaped by determination. She became a single mother while attending college, balancing school, work, and parenting with just $200 left after paying rent each month.
But she persevered—earning her degree from SDSU and dedicating herself to a career in social work, where she now supports individuals living with severe mental illness. Her next steps include passing her licensing exams and mentoring new social workers, using her lived experience as a guide for others.
Jadiel, now in sixth grade, is a bright and curious student who loves math, science, building Lego creations, and riding his scooter. He’s received multiple academic awards and was even recognized with a local leadership honor in 2022. Melissa hopes their new home will give him not only space to grow, but also the stability and encouragement to chase his dreams—whether that’s becoming an inventor, an engineer, or anything he chooses.
At home, Melissa and Jadiel love Friday movie nights, playing board games, and attending cultural and community events together. Día de los Muertos celebrations are a favorite family tradition—connecting them to heritage, memory, and community. Now, they’re most excited to create new memories in a space that reflects who they are and what they’ve worked for.
For Melissa, this home means finally having a space to rest, reconnect, and rebuild. It’s a chance to invest in a future for herself and her son—financially, emotionally, and generationally. As the first in her family or friend circle to own a home, she hopes to inspire others with what’s possible.
As she puts it, “Feet, what do I need you for if I have wings to fly?”—a favorite quote from Frida Kahlo and a reminder of the strength she carries through every challenge. With the keys to their new home on the horizon, Melissa and Jadiel are ready to take flight.
