East LA Community Corporation (ELACC) and development partners celebrated the ground breaking of Sun Valley Senior Veterans Apartments, ELACC’s newest and largest affordable housing development. Sun Valley Senior Veterans Apartments is a $34,565,128 investment located in the neighborhood of Sun Valley in the city of Los Angeles.

“As asset developers, we’re strategizing across multiple neighborhoods to create housing that retains our community fabric, while at the same time improving the quality of life for those we serve,” said Isela Gracian, East LA Community Corporation President. “Additionally, we have an active street vendor base in the San Fernando Valley, pivotal in our street vending initiatives.”

The ground breaking arrives nearly a week after the release of the 2018 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count results, which showed a 3 percent decrease in homelessness across Los Angeles County, and a notable 18 percent decrease in veteran homelessness. Since voters passed Measure H and Proposition HHH initiatives, an unprecedented amount of funding is going towards the comprehensive countywide plan to prevent and end homelessness – scaling up outreach, services and supportive housing developments. Supporters and development partners are optimistic that progress is being made and the County’s targeted strategies to prioritize homeless veterans are working.

Once construction is complete, Sun Valley will consist of 88 one-bedroom units and 8 two-bedrooms units reserved for senior veterans with incomes between 30% and 50% of the area median income. 54 of the 88 units will provide homes for senior veterans without homes through VASH and Project Based Vouchers. Veterans and their families will be able to enjoy a library, laundry rooms, a fitness center, media room and computer lab.

During the ceremony, Isela Gracian announced ELACC’s partnership with New Direction for Veterans, who will be providing on-site services to the residents.

Services will include, case management, benefits assistance and advocacy, substance use services, educational services, employment services, linkages to out-placements, independent living skills education, peer support and advocacy, medication management, harm reduction services, housing retention/eviction prevention services, social & recreational activities and money management services. In addition, case managers will provide assistance with locating and connecting to local mental health care, primary and preventive health care.

ELACC’s President, Isela Gracian recognized financing partners and construction team that worked together to make this development a reality. They included: New Directions for Veterans, Westport Construction, YM Architects, AMJ Construction, Genesis LA, Enterprise, Cal Vets, Home Depot Foundation, National Equity Fund, LISC and NEF’s Bring Them HOMES, The Veterans Housing Initiative, City of Los Angeles Council District 6, Office of Councilmember Nury Martinez and the Office of Supervisor of the 3rd District, Sheila Kuehl.