N.O.A.H's Foundation focuses on providing social services to the community

Housing and Homelessness

South LA

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

Homelessness is a pervasive issue in Los Angeles. According to the 2022 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, there were 69,144 homeless people, with 70.2% unsheltered. The number of homeless individuals increased by 4% from 2020. In South Los Angeles, where NOAH's Foundation shelters are located, the statistics are even more concerning: in 2022, there was a 12% increase in homelessness. 61% were unsheltered. Our proposal is a rapid response and a time urgent need because everyday the number of people experiencing homelessness increases, due to a variety of factors including mental health issues, medical debt and job loss. Through our services, we are empowering families to not only live their lives with dignity and purpose, but we are showing them that they are valued and important just as they are. And that they are not defined by their circumstances.

A grant award from LA2050 would be used towards building our trauma-informed enhancement/improvement project for our housing program. This is a three-part project that involves 1) conducting capital needs assessments of all three of our shelter sites; 2) addressing needed repairs at these sites; and 3) providing trauma-informed enhancements informed by our clients' and staff's needs. The specific shelter sites impacted by this project do not have names, but we can share their addresses: 1552 W 82nd Street Los Angeles, CA 90047; 1554 W 82nd Street Los Angeles, CA 90047; and 416 E 84th Street Los Angeles, CA 90003. All three sites are located within South Los Angeles. The 90047 locations are in the Manchester Square neighborhood and the 90003 location is in the Florence neighborhood. The total number of unaccompanied, adult beds impacted through this project is 55. The overall impact that we plan for this project to have on our sites and our clients is to provide upgrades that make the sites feel much more like homes and less like shelters, especially for our clients who are mothers and children. We have a number of smaller projects under the umbrella of this larger project that will help us make our sites more welcoming and comfortable.

The primary programs and services offered at each shelter site center around housing. This project would improve and enhance the housing environment to create dignified living conditions for all. We're creating a psychologically restful atmosphere that feels like home: clients have the privacy, space, and safety they need to rejuvenate and recharge as they work through the most challenging of circumstances. We know that the shelter experience is stressful and frustrating, especially for children. Shelters often do not have the kinds of play areas that children need to get their energy out and enjoy themselves. Children need a safe place that they can call home for proper mental, physical, and emotional development; if the place that they live is only designed for adults, children can feel out of place & unsafe, causing additional trauma.

For NOAH's Foundation, we will know we have reached success when we have achieved the following milestones: Provided safe and affordable housing to identified individuals and families between the ages of 18-32. ? Provide secure and stable housing for 200 individuals, including families and children across 10 homes and 37 rooms. ? As needed, offer up to 3 months free rent to housing insecure individuals in support of moving them from homelessness to self-sufficiency ? Provide high quality case management and housing services that support all residents at various stages of their transition