Meet Ramona & Iliana
Ramona has lived in St. Helena since she was an early teen, when she moved to the United States with her family 35 years ago. She attended Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School and St. Helena High School and has built her life in this community. She now shares that same experience with her daughter, Iliana, who began at Sun Star Preschool and now attends RLS Middle School.
“I love living in St. Helena because it’s the town I grew up in,” Ramona says. “I like the schools, it’s a quiet town, and it’s close to both of my jobs. It’s where I want my daughter to grow up.”
Ramona has worked at Central Valley for 27 years. She started as a cashier and receptionist and now works as a sales representative in the agricultural department. She works a second job at Hall Winery, going on 11 years, where she helps set up private tastings and events as part of the hospitality team.
On Sundays, Ramona and Iliana spend their day off together doing errands like cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping. They also spend time with family and friends at Crane Park, and during the summer, Iliana enjoys swimming at the St. Helena High School pool with her cousins.
Before connecting with Our Town St. Helena, Ramona and Iliana lived in a small studio. As Iliana got older, they needed more space, but finding housing wasn’t easy. At one point, Ramona was turned away from another property because she was a single mother.
“I was discouraged,” she says. “They didn’t even give me a chance.”
Encouraged by a friend, she applied for an Our Town St. Helena-owned cottage at 963 Pope Street she saw listed in the newspaper. Despite her doubts, she moved forward, met the income qualifications and was eventually selected.
“I was so happy that I was able to stay in town—for my daughter’s school, my jobs, and where I want her to keep growing.”
After nearly six years in that home, Ramona recently moved into a new apartment next door at Gamble Grove.
“I couldn’t be more excited and happier to live in such a great place,” she says. “I’m very thankful to everyone who has made this possible.”
Ramona’s experience highlights how access to affordable housing can make it possible for working families to remain in the communities where they live and work. It has allowed her to stay close to her jobs, keep her daughter in local schools, and continue building a stable future. After rent, she has income remaining to cover other expenses like health care, transportation,
“I’m so appreciative to everyone who has worked on these projects,” she says. “I hope there will be more opportunities for families like mine.”
Our Town St Helena is committed to ensuring just that.
