Los Angeles Family Housing opened a new 99-unit apartment complex to house homeless individuals, which was developed in response to limited housing opportunities in the northwest San Fernando Valley.
The four-story building, called The Cielo, features a community room, courtyard, laundry room and dog area. It is located near the Chatsworth transit center, providing public transportation for residents to go to jobs, appointments or connect with regional amenities.
“For the first time in eight years, I feel ready for what comes next,” Kyle Phipps, a resident at The Cielo who experienced chronic homelessness, said in a statement.
Phipps said that after eight years without a home, he and his wife now have one.
“Today, I’m working,” he said. “I’m getting ready to finance a car. I’m staying clean and sober. My biggest goal is earning back my kids’ trust and being the father they deserve. They come visit me here. They are proud of me, and that means everything.”
LA Family Housing reported that there is less housing opportunities for chronically homeless or homeless individuals in the northwest San Fernando Valley than in other parts of the county. In particular, housing with services that can help individuals stay housed for long-term and prevent them from falling back into homelessness.
The project is one of five new modular supportive housing developments. It was funded as part of a $40 million HHH Innovation Challenge Award by the city.
Funds went to LA Family Housing, Adobe Communities and Mercy Housing California, as a nonprofit developer collaborative.
LAFH stated that the award was designed to reduce the cost and time needed to produce more permanent supportive housing by streamlining the site selection, design and financing of the project.
“It is a privilege to work alongside elected officials, funders and community partners who understand the power of permanent supportive housing to transform communities and individual peoples’ lives,” said Stephanie Klasky-Gamer, President and CEO of LAFH, in a statement. “The Cielo offers not just a place to live, but a true home, along with the support and services that help restore dignity, foster hope and create lasting pathways to stability — making it possible for individuals to leave homelessness behind for good.”
Sarah Mahin, director of L.A. County’s Department of Homeless Services and Housing, noted the use of Measure A funding to create the complex. She said, “We are proud to partner with LA Family Housing to provide intensive case management services that meet residents at The Cielo where they are.”
Mayor Karen Bass and L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who represents the Third Supervisorial District, which includes Chatsworth, were notably absent from the event.
LAFH, in their event details, previously noted Bass and Horvath had been expected to attend the grand opening.
Ilanna Morales, press secretary for Bass, told City News Service that Bass had a scheduling change and could not attend LAFH’s news conference.
Constance Farrell, director of communications for Horvath’s office, said Amy Perkins, senior homelessness deputy, was in attendance.
“We shared with the LA Family Housing team midday yesterday that the supervisor had a change to her schedule and she was unable to make it,” Farrell told City News Service in an email.
City Councilman John Lee, who represents the 12th Council District, which includes Chatsworth, was in attendance.
He emphasized that moving people off the streets and into long-term stability requires housing that is paired with support and ongoing oversight.
“The Cielo is built around that principle. I look forward to their ongoing commitment to help those who are in most need while remaining good neighbors to the surrounding community,” Lee said in a statement.