The Westlake neighborhood in Los Angeles has a new landmark in its efforts to combat homelessness with the opening of Lake House, a supportive housing development dedicated entirely to affordable living. According to a statement by the Housing and Community Development (HCD), Lake House has been designed to serve as a home for individuals and families struggling with homelessness, with an emphasis on aiding those battling severe mental illness.
HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez, at the inauguration of Lake House, lauded the impact of the state's No Place Like Home program, which contributed $7 million to the project's funding, has significantly played a role. Velasquez expressed, "We are thrilled that funding from HCD's No Place Like Home Program could help make possible permanent supportive housing for some of L.A.'s lowest-income residents at Lake House." He anticipates the program will decidedly continue to provide the necessary support for residents while promoting the model for expansion across the state, amplified by the voter-approved Proposition 1.
Lake House's inception has been a collaborative effort, with Community Development Partners and Mercy House leading the development. It features 62 homes accessible for people whose incomes fall at or below 30 percent of the Area Median Income. Of these, 31 homes are exclusively set aside for individuals living with severe mental illness. The facility doesn't only just offer a place to sleep but includes amenities like a rooftop deck, community spaces, bicycle storage, and a courtyard, furthering the quality of life for its residents.
The Center in Hollywood is slated to provide ongoing supportive services to the residents of Lake House, keeping in step with the supportive housing model. These services are integral for fostering stability and aiding in the residents' ability to maintain their housing situation. Lake House stands as a beacon in the City of Los Angeles' intensified fight to provide solutions for the homeless crisis, and notably, to support those with mental health challenges, engaging them actively with professional service providers.
