Her Story
About Erica
Erica Castine is a Youth Homeless Prevention Advocate and Housing Intake Specialist at the Center for Community Action in Pennsylvania, where she is dedicated to helping young people experiencing homelessness find stability, security, and opportunities for a brighter future. Her commitment to youth advocacy began during her seven years as a special education aide at the Altoona Area School District, where she supported at-risk youth and students with autism in emotional support classrooms. Building on this experience, Erica transitioned into housing services and youth homelessness prevention, helping young adults access housing programs, pursue employment, and develop the confidence and skills needed to achieve independence and self-sufficiency.
Throughout her career, Erica has emphasized the importance of collaboration, education, and community engagement in addressing youth homelessness. She works closely with school districts, community organizations, housing providers, and other agencies to connect young people with essential resources and support. In addition to her professional responsibilities, she serves as chair of the Children, Youth, and Families Advisory Board and participates in the Pennsylvania Youth Coalition Committee and the National Network for Youth. Through these roles, Erica advocates for greater awareness of youth homelessness and supports initiatives that address the interconnected challenges of housing insecurity, education, employment, and financial stability. Her professional qualifications include a Credential of Competency for Special Education Paraeducators, PSSA testing administration certification, Act 21 certification, HUD-related training, CPR training, and mandated reporter credentials.
Although Erica's educational background includes coursework at Penn State rather than a traditional four-year college degree, she has built her career through hands-on experience, professional training, and a steadfast commitment to serving others. She takes pride in demonstrating to young people that their circumstances do not define their potential and that meaningful success is possible through perseverance, self-belief, and access to the right support. For Erica, youth homelessness prevention is more than a profession; it is a personal mission to ensure that young people feel heard, valued, and empowered to build futures they can be proud of. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and family, traveling, listening to music, shopping, collecting jewelry, and caring for her koi pond. Her compassionate approach, sense of humor, and dedication to advocacy continue to shape her efforts to create lasting change in the lives of vulnerable youth.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Erica
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to recognize that it is a deeply rewarding career that requires clear boundaries, compassion, and genuine passion. Building meaningful relationships is just as important as achieving results, so take time to appreciate even the smallest accomplishments, as they often make the greatest difference. Most importantly, never give up. Push forward, especially on the days when you feel like giving up, because those moments often lead to the most rewarding experiences.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is preventing youth homelessness, particularly because it often takes hidden forms, such as couch surfing or living in motels and cars. These circumstances can make it difficult to identify and assist young people, especially when housing assistance requirements do not recognize their situations as homelessness. Overcoming these barriers takes time, advocacy, and greater awareness. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunities through networking, collaboration, and the growing availability of resources that can help us connect vulnerable youth with the support they need.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Respect, compassion, and trustworthiness are the values I hold closest to my heart in both my professional and personal life. I believe everyone deserves to feel valued, safe, cared for, and respected, regardless of their circumstances. I strive to treat my clients, family, friends, neighbors, and community with kindness and fairness, while building relationships based on mutual respect and trust. I also make it a priority to be someone others can depend on, offering a compassionate, nonjudgmental listening ear whenever they need support.
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