Homeless woman breaks back into her old house 13 years after eviction

Not long ago, Maria Merritt broke into her former residence on Poplar Boulevard in El Sereno, Los Angeles. Merritt called that house home until she was evicted for not paying rent in 2007. Caltrans left the house empty; it was one of many properties they bought for a freeway project. Efforts to expand the freeway have been at a standstill for years.

Losing her home put Merritt on a difficult path, marked by job loss, separation from her children, depression, and substance abuse. She often returned to her old neighborhood, lingering outside her former house and reminiscing about better days.

According to the LA Times, in March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began, the "Reclaimers" group started taking over empty Caltrans properties. They claimed it was wrong for public homes to sit empty while so many people were homeless. Merritt saw an opportunity and, with the help of activists, broke into her old home.

Merritt first moved into the house on Poplar Boulevard back in 1995. Despite continuous legal battles and disputes over the 710 Freeway project, intended to link LA’s ports to the 210 Freeway, she established her life there. While living in that house, Merritt achieved important milestones, such as becoming a U.S. citizen and securing steady employment.

Her life took a nosedive after her daughter was in a bad car accident in 2004, leading her into depression and drug use. She fell behind on rent and was ultimately evicted in 2007. Her children were scattered, and Merritt eventually became homeless, living in dangerous conditions and facing addiction and violence.

The Reclaimers’ movement inspired Merritt to reclaim her old house. She broke into the house with the support of activists. Inside, she found remnants of her past life, including a Polaroid photo of her children.

Living again in the house hasn't been easy for Merritt. The house had no electricity or running water initially, and the police frequently threatened her with arrest. Still, she stayed, driven by her emotional connection to the place.

Merritt’s children were initially upset about her actions, recalling her teachings about the importance of working for what you have. But over time, some of them began to soften. There were moments of reconnection, particularly during the holidays.

Despite being allowed to stay in a different Caltrans-owned home temporarily, Merritt faces potential eviction again. Caltrans officials describe the Reclaimers as "criminal trespassers," asserting they have no right to remain in the properties.

Merritt’s hope is tied to a now-begun process that allows tenants to buy Caltrans homes if the freeway extension is canceled. Although she doesn’t currently qualify, she is appealing to the agency for the chance to purchase her old home. Merritt believes she and her children could pool their money together to buy the house and repay her old rent debt.

Maria Merritt’s story is one of perseverance amid adversity. She hopes to leave the house on Poplar Boulevard as a legacy for her grandchildren, believing that she would finally have a permanent place if she could return there for a third time.