Posted on 11/11/2023
ONE BIG THING: OPENING NEW APARTMENTS FOR FORMERLY UNHOUSED SENIORS
What Happened
This week, we helped open 61 new units of permanent supportive housing for formerly unhoused seniors in East Hollywood!
We met one new resident of this complex, David, who worked his entire career as a home healthcare worker before losing his job a few years ago and falling into homelessness. After 2 years of living in his car, moving into his new studio apartment in East Hollywood has been life changing for him.
The project benefitted from a streamlined process thanks to Mayor Bass’ Executive Directive 1, opening months earlier than it would have otherwise. Because of the policies we’ve implemented just in the past year, we are making it easier to build affordable housing in LA for essential workers like David who are struggling to make ends meet.
Why it Matters
Permanent supportive housing projects like this one are so important because when residents move in, they’re offered health care, mental health/addiction treatment, and all the services they need to get back on their feet.
We’re opening this type of housing at a record rate, but we know there is still so much work to do. We need to build a lot more permanent supportive housing and affordable housing to help get out of this crisis, but we are starting to head in a better direction.
Two More Quick Hits!
1. Safer School Zones
This week, council passed a motion that will implement 15mph speed limits in school zones across the city, including the 11 schools in CD13 listed below!
Next, we're looking to expand this to EVERY school in our district so our kids can walk to school safely.
2. New Safety Improvements Coming to Silver Lake/Atwater Village
Our motion with Councilmember Nithya Raman asking for a report to improve pedestrian safety at Glendale Blvd. and Fletcher Dr. in Silver Lake passed through City Council this week!
That means that within a few months, we will have recommendations and cost estimates for:
- Increasing safety for pedestrians by reducing the distance for people walking across the street.
- Adding pedestrian connectivity and upgrading sidewalks at Glendale x Fletcher.
- Improving ADA accessibility across the intersection.
This is one of Silver Lake’s most dangerous intersections for pedestrians, and we’re looking forward to working with Councilmember Raman and the Department of Transportation to improve pedestrian safety in this area and across the district.