Maria Merritt's life in El Sereno reflects a deep personal history intertwined with her neighborhood, where she raised her children and found stability despite significant challenges. After a tumultuous journey marked by homelessness, she reclaimed her home but was ultimately forced to leave. Her move to a supportive housing facility in Westlake was intended to provide stability, yet she struggles with emotional upheaval and mental health issues in her new environment. The saga of her displacement parallels the broader narrative surrounding the failed 710 Freeway expansion and its impact on residents.
"Even when she was homeless, the vacant house was always waiting for her return. Nearly five years ago, she broke in and reclaimed it."
"It's breaking me inside," said Merritt, 57, on the eve of her departure. "I feel like a light shining that's going to be shut down."
"Merritt's swings with the ups and downs of her fragile mental health."
"But her sense of stability began to fragment the moment she arrived. Things were not looking good."
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