SAN DIEGO — A San Diego woman who survived homelessness and domestic violence while raising five children received a significant gift: a free 2012 Volkswagen Jetta worth approximately $5,000, donated by the Ko Aloha Foundation and prepared by a local mechanic.
Erica Hernandez, 46, has worked as an administrative assistant while serving as the sole provider for her family since divorcing in 2016. After escaping homelessness in 2022 and relocating to San Diego, Hernandez has maintained employment despite significant challenges—including waking up at 4:45 a.m. to catch the bus for her 5:30 a.m. work shift.
“I can’t stop smiling,” Hernandez said upon receiving the vehicle. “I want to cry, I want to laugh, I want to hug everybody again.”…