L.A. Family Housing a lifesaver for evicted tenants

L.A. Family Housing (LAFH) is one of the largest homelessness prevention organizations serving the San Fernando Valley. This charity provides a full slate of supportive services to help those who are at risk of becoming homeless.

Many of the organization’s clients were already homeless prior to enrolling into one of the programs. Nearly 2/3 of clients found themselves living in a car or on the street prior to finding out about the housing and case management services that were offered.

Emergency Shelter

LAFH provides temporary housing at its three main homeless shelters. These facilities are provided as an emergency measure to offer safe shelter to those who have no place to live.

• North Hollywood hosts the Sydney M. Irmas Transitional Living Center. This facility serves families with children who need help within immediate housing.
• The Trudy & Norman Louis Valley Shelter is also located in North Hollywood. Only single adults are allowed to enter this program.
• Comunidad Cesar Chavez provides emergency shelter in East Los Angeles. Families with children are served by this community program.

Residents are able to benefit from direct referrals into transitional housing programs. Participants are eligible for placement into a permanent residence once they meet certain requirements.

Permanent Housing

LAFH administers 22 properties that are maintained for the purpose of providing affordable rent to individuals and families that cannot afford to pay market rent. Some of these are transitional homes that provide support while a family recovers from a financial crisis. Others are permanent dwellings that may be allocated to graduates of the self-improvement programs. Those who responsibly take the initiative to improve their situation are normally the first to be matched to new vacancies in affordable units.

Successful graduates take advantage of the supportive services that are recommended by their case managers. These services may include vocational rehabilitation or employment readiness training. Nutrition, life skills and budgeting workshops are also offered for the benefit of residents who seek to regain their independence.

To find out if you are a candidate for permanent housing placement, or to request information on temporary and transitional housing, call L.A. Family Housing at 818-982-4091. This is more than just some homeless shelter. It is a comprehensive approach to helping families recover from and defeat homelessness forever.