“I am building because I deserve homeownership and a secure place to call home.”
Erica Soto is a dedicated single mother who has worked in the banking industry for more than 20 years. As a Senior Personal Banker at Northern Trust Bank, she takes pride in her professionalism and her commitment to creating a secure future for her family. Her journey to homeownership reflects her determination to provide stability and peace of mind for her children.
Leilah, Erica’s oldest child, is passionate about fashion and is currently enrolled at St. Petersburg College, working toward her associate degree in Marketing. She dreams of building a career in the fashion and marketing industry and is already taking steps toward her future. Gabriel, her youngest, is a ninth grader who loves basketball and his PS5. He has big aspirations of becoming an aerospace engineer, and Erica is proud to support his curiosity and ambition. Both children are at pivotal stages in life, preparing for adulthood, and Erica works tirelessly to ensure they have the emotional and academic support they need to succeed.
For years, rising rent costs and housing uncertainty have made it difficult for Erica to maintain long-term stability. Frequent changes and financial strain have added stress to daily life, making it harder to plan for the future. She shares that an affordable home would allow her family to focus on growth rather than constant financial worries. When she learned she was accepted into the Habitat program, Erica felt a wave of hope and relief—homeownership was finally within reach.
“This home will be a place where my family can relax together, eat together, and laugh together,” Erica says. For the Soto Family, a Habitat home means more than four walls. It represents stability, peace of mind, and the chance to create lasting memories together. She looks forward to the day when they can gather in their own space, celebrate milestones, and enjoy the simple comfort of knowing they have a forever home.
