❤️ Help 97-Year-Old Erma Colon Reclaim Her Home and Her Dignity

She spent her life caring for others. Now she needs us to care for her.

The Urgent Situation

Erma Colon is 97 years old. For more than half a century, she lived in the modest home she worked so hard to keep — a home she opened to family, friends, and even strangers from her church who had nowhere else to go. As a missionary, she gave selflessly, never turning away someone in need.

But in her late 80s, living on a fixed Social Security income, Erma was targeted by a man posing as a real estate investor. He convinced her to sign a “rehabilitation contract” after doing just $3,000 worth of work — but the fine print gave him half the value of her home. When her family tried to intervene, he sued her.

Without proper legal representation, Erma lost the case. In January 2025, she was evicted from the home she loved and maintained for over 50 years.

The Human Cost

Today, Erma — who has dementia, mobility issues, and relies on a wheelchair — is sleeping in the living room of her 77-year-old daughter’s small apartment. The stress has taken a serious toll on her health. She should be enjoying peace and comfort in her final years, not fighting for survival.

When We Tried to Get Help

When Erma’s family discovered she was being scammed, we tried to file a police report with the LAPD. We were denied, because the LAPD online reporting system only accepts fraud claims under $20,000.

Later, when we finally spoke with the LAPD Real Estate Fraud Division, the detective explained that there are only three detectives in all of Los Angeles County handling real estate fraud — and they only investigate cases where the property title was changed.

We also contacted District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who confirmed that his office also only investigates title-change fraud. Because Erma’s case involves a forged contract giving away ownership (not a direct title change at the county recorder’s office), neither the LAPD nor the DA would take action.

This fight is not just for Erma. It’s for every vulnerable senior in Los Angeles who is falling through the cracks of a broken system.

The Fight for Justice

Erma is now pursuing a civil fraud lawsuit (Case No. 25STCV04439) to reclaim her home and hold the perpetrator accountable. But her family’s resources are exhausted, and attempts to secure free legal aid have failed. A judge has given her until October 22, 2025, to find an attorney.

How You Can Help

Your donation will:

Fund legal representation to fight the fraud and reclaim her home

Improve her living conditions while she awaits justice

Restore dignity and stability to a woman who has spent her life giving to others

Every contribution — no matter the size — brings Erma closer to safety, comfort, and justice.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just about one 97-year-old grandmother. It’s about a system that leaves seniors unprotected while predators exploit them. By standing with Erma, you are also standing up for every vulnerable senior at risk of losing their home in Los Angeles.

Please stand with Erma. Let’s make sure her story ends with hope, not heartbreak.