If anyone knows about overcoming obstacles through hard work and determination, it’s Helen Zurita.

Zurita, who has dedicated her life to serving her community, is now taking it to another level as she campaigns to become the Democratic candidate for the 50th District in the House of Delegates. Ever since birth, she has had multiple surgeries to help with her hearing deficiencies, and listening to the people of Manassas is what she does best. Recently she spoke with the PW Perspective about how she is running a true grassroots campaign and how she will work for the community.

Unlike other campaigns, she doesn’t have the usual campaign manager to help knock on doors and reach out with press releases. “I’m running this through the people I’ve met through my advocacy,” said Zurita. “Throughout the COVID [pandemic], when they have no one else to turn to, they had me.”

Over the past year she would provide food and masks to those who were in need. Getting up early each day to meet people by the train station near Harris Pavilion, or to knock on doors since 4am, she knows the importance of talking with as many people as possible to listen to their issues.

“This race is about the people now. It’s not about big money. The money is a grassroots campaign; this is about people giving what they can. We’re working with a small group of people but they have a big impact.”

She discusses how giving is nothing new, and helping others to get elected has been influential in her preparation for public service. “I’ve advocated way before any elections; I’ve helped with donating gas cards to enable people get back to work. I’m a true Democrat and for the past five years advocated candidates who are now in office. Now, I believe it is time for the people of Manassas to have someone who stands for them.”

Among the issues that Zurita has advocated for is for infrastructure and environmental justice. “We need to be tapping into [President Joe] Biden’s Green Deal in the District. It is very effective and will provide us with a healthy environment. We have to tap into the Green Deal, it’s one of the best infrastructure deals in a while. If we play the right role, we can bring the [Metro] blue line to Prince William County. Also, we need someone who focuses on giving people a way to get back to work. Let’s do whatever it takes to bring people to meet employers.”

Education is another issue that Helen is advocating for. “Our teachers are suffering. We have do better and get schools fully funded and give teachers the raises that they need.”

“If we make those things done we can grow our economy.”

She discusses what makes her campaign so unique. “What we cannot have is a politician that doesn’t know their constituents. We need someone who has rolled up their sleeves and put boots on the ground,” says Zurita.

“What I’m seeing is a lot of connections between me and the people out here. My campaign did not mail mailers, but we have been able to reach out. We need someone not coming to bring a lot of promises but someone who is listening to the people.”

Obstacles are nothing new to Helen, who knows what it’s like to come out of poverty. “I’ve been homeless, and I’ve been without food and been on Section 8 [housing], so I know how to get people out of it.”

What will she do to help the Hispanic community? “Legal or illegal, they are still candidates. We need to have our federal government bring something similar the DACA deal. If we got rid of them, our economy will fall. We need to work with our state and local legislators to bring the services that they need. If they don’t speak English, we need to get them the classes to learn.”

“I’ve met thousands of people over the past year and realize the services that can help them get out of the struggles that they’re in. We leave our immigrant families on the sidelines, but we need to uplift our immigrant communities, because they are Americans and part of our economy.”

“If it wasn’t for them I don’t know where I’d be right now. They’re our friends, our neighbors and our community.”

She promises to be a delegate that will work with Republicans to get them the services. “I can reach across the aisles to get people the help they need.”

Regarding infrastructure, Zurita provides a solution that can reach to those in need. “We need to have a resource center where people can walk in; not a social services center, but a resource center where people can walk in and look for a job and have internet access.”

The mother of three children discusses the environment she had to adjust in and how it impacted her way of life. “When I was growing up, I was on welfare, it is a learning mechanism. That’s how I saw my life, I took care of my children on welfare but when [President Bill] Clinton’s Welfare to Work program came in, I was terrified. I worked for the FAA. This is the same as for our immigrant community; they want to work, and we need to break that cycle that they can’t have a better life.”

She continues, “Do they come here to take advantage of the welfare system? No, they come here because they have no other place to save their children and want a better life.”

“We’ve had a lot of fighting over immigration, and I commend Virginia for getting licenses for immigrants. However, we need to push Washington to get things done to give them residency.”

What were some of the things she learned during the pandemic that inspired her to run for delegate? “COVID took me in another direction. I felt in the 50^th district there was no one representing us, and because I have the experience of an advocate, I could bring what was needed. From face masks to food, I teamed up with UVA and other organizations to educate our communities on getting the vaccines. When you can do that, you can reach people. Bottom line: you have to put yourself in their shoes. If you cannot do that, you cannot be successful.”

Regardless of the results on Tuesday, Zurita says she will always be an advocate for the people. “Win or lose, I will continue on. If I don’t make it out of this race, I plan on making my advocacy a non-profit and continue to raise awareness on the issues we’re dealing with in Manassas.”

As someone who can attest to the ability to overcome anything that has been in her direction, there is one statement that defines Helen Zurita. “When you do the work, you get results.”

For more information on Helen’s campaign, visit her website.