COMMUNITY

Housing the Homeless

Rose Apartments celebrates grand opening

By Kamala Kirk

Venice Community Housing (VCH) has announced the opening of Rose Apartments, a new permanent supportive housing development located at 720 Rose Avenue in Venice. On May 19, a grand opening celebration was held and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti spoke at the event, accompanied by LA Councilmember Mike Bonin. Other key partners in attendance included Ann Sewill from the LA Housing Department, Angie Brooks from Brooks + Scarpa, and tenants and staff from Rose Apartments. Rose Apartments is a 35-unit property providing homes to people who were experiencing homelessness. 50% of the homes are specifically for Transitional Aged Youth ages 18 to 24, a first of its kind in Venice. The remaining 50% of the homes are for households with disabilities. The four-story building consists of 35 homes, VCH administrative officers, on-site staff offices, parking for cars and bikes, a laundry room, a large community room and courtyard, and many sustainability features. Supportive housing helps establish and maintain stability and health, reduces public costs, and contributes to inclusive and equitable development neighborhoods. “Venice Community Housing is proud to have completed and leased these much-needed homes for people who have been unhoused for far too long, and excited that the Venice community is contributing to solutions to homelessness, after a 20-year gap in new 100% affordable housing construction,” said Becky Dennison, executive director of VCH.

PHOTOS BY CHRIS MORTENSON

Rose Apartments resident Prince Lum is joined by members of the community and supporters of the Rose Apartment project as he cuts the ribbon during the opening ceremony. Rose Apartments resident manager Tanisha Saunders shares her stories and the importance of these apartments to the community.

VCH executive director Becky Dennison with Councilmember Mike Bonin.

Garrett Gin from Bank of America addresses the crowd.