At ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝, we believe that home is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a space to heal, rebuild, and connect.  

That’s why some of our interim and permanent supportive housing developments include community gardens. We celebrate how gardens not only benefit the environment but also nurture mental health and strengthen community bonds—something that's vital to our clients living healthy, independent lives. 

Studies show that tending to plants can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote mindfulness. According to a study done by the , “participants who engaged in gardening or interacting with plants experienced significantly lower levels of stress and anxiety compared to those who did not.”&˛Ô˛ú˛ő±č; 

That’s especially true for Ida Burchinal. Since moving into The Weingart Willows, Ida has become a regular out in the garden. 

“Every day I go out there, I notice something new,” Ida says. “Like, the plants are just a little taller, a little fuller than the day before. It’s slow, but it’s happening. And that feels really good, you know? When you’re homeless, you don’t really get to be around green things, or nature at all, really. So just getting your hands in the dirt, being part of it—it’s one of the best feelings ever.” 

For many residents, like Ida, who have experienced PTSD, anxiety, or depression, the simple act of nurturing a plant provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It’s a reminder that growth—both personal and environmental—takes time, care, and patience. 

Community gardens also foster connection. Residents come together to plant, water, and harvest, creating a sense of shared responsibility and collaboration. In these green spaces, conversations spark, friendships form, and isolation fades. 

ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝ celebrates not just the green spaces we help cultivate, but the hope and community that grow alongside them.

The grand opening featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of The Weingart Willows, refreshments, and plenty of photo opportunities.   

To learn more about The Weingart Willows and our other permanent supportive housing locations, visit  

Event Video

The speaker lineup included ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝ President & CEO Senator Kevin Murray, LA City Council District 2 Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Tim McOsker of LA City Council District 15, and Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority CEO Dr. Valecia Adams Kellum. 

Event Photos

All event photos are copyrighted to ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝ Association. All rights reserved. 

To inquire about the use of these photos, contact development@weingart.org 

Click on an image below to see larger photos. 

The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and togetherness — and this December, the ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝ embraced the spirit of the season with two festive events at Weingart Tower, one of our permanent supportive housing developments. These gatherings weren’t just about holiday cheer; they were about fostering a sense of belonging and creating moments of joy that resonate far beyond the celebrations themselves. 

Decking the halls at Weingart Tower 

On December 11th, we kicked off the holiday season with a festive door decorating event. Residents unleashed their creativity, turning their doorways into beautiful displays of holiday spirit. The event fostered a warm and welcoming environment, lifting spirits and spreading cheer throughout the building. 

Sweet treats and holiday tunes 

On December 19th, our clients and staff came together for a heartwarming holiday celebration filled with delicious desserts, steaming mugs of hot chocolate, and cookie decorating. There was laughter in abundance as everyone gathered to sing along to holiday classics, their voices filling the room with cheer. 

Seeing our clients let loose, smile, and feel safe enough to simply have fun is a privilege we hold dear. These joyful moments underscore the progress and relationships we’ve built together, making us even more grateful for the work we do.  

We plan these events because they’re more than just fun — they’re essential to our clients’ success. Building community, fostering relationships, and creating a strong support system are just as critical to achieving greater independence as our comprehensive onsite wraparound services. At ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝, we lift each other up, empowering lives every step of the way.

View event photos below.

We’re proud to share that ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝ recently received two awards that recognize our work in support of ending the cycle of homelessness.  

Developer of the Year Award

On October 10, 2024, ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝ was honored with the Developer of the Year Award by the Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing (SCANPH). This award celebrates organizations that “.”&˛Ô˛ú˛ő±č;

Affordable Multifamily Housing Development Architectural Award

On October 18th, Weingart Tower received a (LABC) Architectural award for Affordable Multifamily Housing Development. LABC recognized Weingart Tower as a crucial addition to Los Angeles’s Permanent Supportive Housing landscape. 

The meaning of these awards goes beyond receiving a trophy. Their mission is to recognize policies and actions that help shape the landscape of California, including addressing homelessness. These awards celebrate effective programs like ours but, more importantly, reinforce the importance of housing models that can influence effective future policy.

We’re grateful for this recognition of our commitment to providing essential housing solutions. These honors reaffirm the importance of our work, and we look forward to future developments that make a lasting impact in Los Angeles. 

On September 20th, Weingart Tower residents showcased their creativity during our first-ever WeingART WORKs event!  

We hosted an all-day Open Studio, including a do-it-yourself Home DĂ©cor workshop, where residents made personalized photo frames, coasters, and wall plaques for their new apartments. Twenty-one residents stopped by, and 10 residents stayed for the whole workshop.  

Creative outlets like these offer numerous mental health benefits, fostering a sense of accomplishment and expression that helps people rebuild their lives. You can learn more about the enormous impact of creative activities in our blog here. At Weingart, we’re dedicated to promoting community building and wellness through exciting hands-on activities across our interim and permanent housing locations. Personal expression is crucial to ending the cycle of homelessness. 

WeingART WORKs creations

Muses at the ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝

Our supportive housing programs are more than just a place to live. They’re the key to empowered living. The community and life that our clients find with us allow them to flourish in ways they never thought possible.

One way our clients flourish is by exploring their creativity. In a study from the , 71% of adults who reported very good or excellent mental health frequently participated in a creative outlet.

That’s why our newest development, Weingart Tower 1, has music and art spaces for our clients to use. 

Why music and art?

Music and art are valuable tools that allow people to use the creative process to delve into their emotions, develop social skills, and generate a whole array of other mental health benefits.

Art and music are inherently haptic activities. Haptics, which refers to actions related to touch and perception, allow people to engage more deeply with their emotions. By fostering a tactile connection, the arts help people better understand and feel the emotions within their bodies.

revealed a positive correlation between frequent attendance at a drop-in art center and the number of life achievements reported. Youth who attended the art center 26 times or more had a significantly higher average of 9.7 life achievements, such as ending drug use, securing housing, finding employment, obtaining a GED, and others.

In contrast, those with low attendance of only 4-5 visits reported an average of just 0.1 life achievements. Though the ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝â€™s programs focus on adults, the research shows the crucial role creativity plays in creating positive changes in a person’s life.

Why we value music and art at the ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝

For those who are unhoused, this haptic experience is invaluable. Homelessness is traumatizing. Deep negative emotions come with experiencing homelessness. For many, it destroys relationships and severs connections with the world around you.

By participating in a creative outlet, those who are unhoused can start piecing together their emotions, understand and process their trauma, and slowly build meaningful connections with others.

We can see tremendous strides toward empowered living by pairing many of our clients' growth through their creative outlets with our wrap-around services. Through creativity, clients simultaneously create a strong emotional and mental foundation. This ensures that when tangible steps toward independence – such as securing a job or finding stable living arrangements – are in place, our clients are in the best possible position to succeed.

Art is for everybody. It creates beauty and promotes wellness for all who experience it. By participating in creative outlets such as painting, sculpting, playing an instrument, singing, and writing, people can connect deeply with themselves and those around them. This stimulates self-awareness and feelings of community, pulling people out of their shells and bringing them together with others.

For the ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝, it’s another way we help people to end the cycle of homelessness.

Los Angeles is grappling with one of the most severe homelessness crises in the United States. According to the 2024 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, there are 75,518 people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County, a slight decrease of 0.3% from 2023. While this represents a small improvement, it’s undeniable that LA’s homelessness crisis is exacerbated by a severe lack of affordable housing, with the county facing a shortfall of over 500,000 affordable homes for extremely low-income renters.

The roots of this crisis remain complex and multifaceted, stemming from factors such as soaring rents, stagnant incomes, systemic racism, and the ongoing economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the city continues to search for solutions, it's crucial to understand the various housing models available to address homelessness. This post will explore four key approaches: shelters, interim housing, permanent supportive housing, and affordable housing, each playing a unique role in tackling this pressing issue.

The Four Approaches

1.     Shelters

Shelters are temporary, emergency accommodations for individuals experiencing homelessness. They provide immediate, short-term relief from the streets[Âą].

Key characteristics:

• Temporary stay: Usually limited to a few nights or weeks

• Basic amenities: Beds, showers, and meals

• Limited privacy: Often communal sleeping areas

• Basic services: May include case management and referrals

• Entry requirements: Some may have sobriety or other conditions

• Goal: Immediate safety and basic needs

2.     Interim Housing

Interim housing bridges the gap between emergency shelters and permanent housing. It offers a more stable environment than shelters while individuals work towards permanent housing solutions[Âą].

Key characteristics:

• Longer stay: Typically, a few months to a year

• More privacy: Often individual or small shared rooms

• Comprehensive services: Case management, job training, health services

• Focused on transition: Goal-oriented towards permanent housing

• Supportive environment: Helps build life skills and stability

• Flexibility: Can accommodate various populations

3.     Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

PSH is a long-term solution that combines affordable housing with wrap-around supportive services for individuals with chronic homelessness, disabilities, or other complex needs[²][³].

Key characteristics:

• Permanent: No time limit on residency

• Affordable: Rent is typically income-based

• Comprehensive services: Mental health, substance abuse, medical care, job training

• Tailored support: Services customized to individual needs

• Housing First approach: No preconditions for housing

• Community integration: Aims to help residents become part of the broader community

 4.     Affordable Housing

Affordable housing refers to housing units that are affordable to households earning below the median income, typically spending no more than 30% of their income on housing costs[²].

Key characteristics:

• Income-based: Targeted at low to moderate-income households

• Various types: Can include apartments, single-family homes, or other housing types

• Limited services: Usually doesn't include comprehensive support services

• Long-term solution: Aims to provide stable, long-term housing

• Waitlists: Often high demand and long waiting periods

• Diverse funding: May involve government subsidies, tax credits, or other programs

DID YOU KNOW?

ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝ operates using two (2) of the approaches mentioned above.

Interim Housing: ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝ Main Campus • Gardner Street Women’s Bridge Housing • A Bridge Home: Civic Center • A Bridge Home: Schrader • The Weingart Beacon • Hilda L. Solis Care First Village • Vagabond • The Weingart Shelby • The Weingart Mayfair

Permanent Supportive Housing: 11010 smB • Weingart Tower 1 • 600 San Pedro • The Weingart Greenleaf • The Weingart Willows • Weingart Tower 2 • 7024 Broadway • Alveare • Homekey Norwalk • The Weingart Sycamore

Process and Impact

The process for accessing the different housing models varies significantly, reflecting the diverse needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and the unique challenges each model addresses.

Shelters often serve as the first point of contact for many experiencing homelessness and typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis. This approach ensures immediate assistance for those in urgent need. However, some shelters also accept referrals from social services agencies, hospitals, or law enforcement, allowing for a more coordinated response to homelessness. The accessibility of shelters makes them crucial in providing immediate relief, but their limited capacity often means they can't accommodate everyone in need.

Shelters offer an immediate crisis response, helping to reduce visible homelessness and providing a safe alternative to sleeping on the streets. This can have a significant impact on public health and safety, as well as on the overall perception of homelessness in the community.

Interim Housing usually requires a more structured entry process. Individuals are typically referred to these programs by shelters, outreach teams, or other social service providers. This referral system helps ensure that those who can benefit most from the transitional support are prioritized. The process often involves an initial assessment to determine the individual's needs and their readiness to engage in a more structured housing program[²].

Interim Housing plays a crucial role in reducing the strain on emergency shelters by providing a more stable environment for individuals working towards permanent housing. This model helps bridge the gap between homelessness and housing stability, offering support services that can address underlying issues contributing to homelessness[²].

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) has a more complex access process. It typically involves a comprehensive assessment of an individual's vulnerability and chronic homelessness status. Many communities use a coordinated entry system, where individuals are prioritized based on factors such as length of time homeless, medical vulnerabilities, and other risk factors. This approach ensures that those with the highest needs and who are least likely to exit homelessness without significant support are prioritized for PSH[Âł].

Permanent Supportive Housing has been shown to significantly reduce chronic homelessness and decrease the use of emergency services. By providing stable housing coupled with comprehensive support services, PSH can lead to improved health outcomes, reduced hospitalization rates, and decreased interactions with the criminal justice system. This not only improves the lives of formerly homeless individuals but also can result in cost savings for the city in terms of reduced emergency service usage[Âł].

Affordable Housing often has the most formal application process. It usually involves submitting applications, verifying income, and often joining waitlists. The demand for affordable housing frequently outstrips supply, leading to long waiting periods. Some affordable housing programs may prioritize certain groups, such as families with children, veterans, or seniors, depending on the specific project and funding sources[²].

Affordable Housing serves as a preventative measure against homelessness. By ensuring that low-income individuals and families have access to housing they can afford, it helps prevent new cases of homelessness from occurring. Additionally, affordable housing supports workforce stability by allowing essential workers to live in the communities they serve, contributing to the overall economic health of the city[²].

Together, these models form a comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness. They work in concert to provide immediate relief, facilitate transitions to stability, address the needs of the most vulnerable, and prevent future homelessness. The effectiveness of this system depends on having sufficient capacity at each level and ensuring smooth transitions between different housing types. By implementing and scaling these solutions, cities like Los Angeles can work towards a more effective and humane response to the complex challenge of homelessness.

A Bigger Picture

In addressing homelessness, especially in high-need areas like Los Angeles, these four models work together rather than in opposition, forming a greater continuum of care.

While the four models mentioned above are the most common, there are a few additional models or variations that are worth mentioning:

1. Rapid Re-housing: This is a short-term intervention that provides temporary financial assistance and services to help individuals and families quickly exit homelessness and return to permanent housing. It's often considered a subset of the affordable housing model but with a specific focus on quick intervention.

2. Transitional Housing: This model falls between emergency shelters and permanent housing, offering temporary accommodation for a set period (usually up to 24 months) along with supportive services. It's similar to interim housing but often has a more structured program and longer duration.

3. Shared Housing: This involves matching multiple individuals or families to live together in a single housing unit, sharing costs and potentially support services. It can be a cost-effective way to provide housing, especially in high-cost areas.

4. Housing Cooperatives: These are housing units owned and controlled by residents, which can provide an affordable alternative to traditional rental or ownership models.

5. Tiny Homes or Micro-housing: These are very small, often portable housing units that can be used as a form of interim or even permanent housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.

6. Safe Parking Programs: While not a housing model per se, these programs provide secure overnight parking areas for individuals living in their vehicles, often with access to basic services.

7. Master Leasing: In this model, a nonprofit organization leases multiple units from private landlords and then subleases them to individuals experiencing homelessness, often providing supportive services as well.

These models often overlap or complement the four main types (shelters, interim housing, permanent supportive housing, and affordable housing) and play important roles in the broader housing continuum.

We Need More

While these housing models offer promising solutions, implementing them in Los Angeles faces significant challenges. The city grapples with high land costs, complex zoning regulations, and community resistance to new housing developments, often referred to as "NIMBYism" (Not In My Backyard). Despite these obstacles, Los Angeles is making strides. The city's "A Bridge Home" program has opened numerous interim housing facilities, and Proposition HHH, passed in 2016, is funding the construction of thousands of supportive housing units. Additionally, initiatives like Project Roomkey and Project Homekey have converted hotels and motels into housing for people experiencing homelessness. These efforts, while substantial, highlight the ongoing need for increased funding, streamlined processes, and continued community support to address the scale of homelessness in Los Angeles.

In Los Angeles, with its high homeless population, scaling up all these solutions simultaneously is crucial. This approach can provide immediate relief through shelters and interim housing while working on long-term solutions through PSH and affordable housing development. The key is to maintain a balance and ensure that there are enough resources and capacity at each level of the housing continuum.

Citations:

[1] https://unitedtoendhomelessness.org/blog/types-of-housing-support-for-the-homeless/

[2] https://www.housingca.org/policy/solutions/

[3] https://www.hcd.ca.gov/grants-funding/active-funding/docs/housing-first-fact-sheet.pdf

[4] https://www.kcdhs.org/resources/housing

[5]

[6] https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/industries/public%20and%20social%20sector/our%20insights/homelessness%20in%20los%20angeles%20a%20unique%20crisis%20demanding%20new%20solutions/homelessness-in-los-angeles-a-unique-crisis-demanding-new-solution.pdf

[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYyLB0IqDKI

[8] https://calmatters.org/housing/homelessness/2023/07/los-angeles-homeless-encampments/

[9] https://homeless.lacounty.gov/our-challenge/

[10]

[11] https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/17611032/dc953c3b-5400-4ed3-8857-ac1292a0707d/paste.txt

The grand opening featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of Weingart Tower 1, refreshments, and plenty of photo opportunities. 

To learn more about Weingart Tower 1 and our other permanent supportive housing locations, visit

Event Video

The speaker lineup included Congresswoman Maxine Waters, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Councilmember Kevin de Leon, County Supervisor Hilda Solis, Sen. Kevin Murray (Ret.), CEO of ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝ Association, Jim Andersen, Chief Development Officer of Chelsea Investment Corporation and others.

Event Photos

All photos below are copyrighted to ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝ Association. All rights reserved.

To inquire about the use of these photos, contact development@weingart.org

Click on an image below to see larger photos.

Media Coverage

Additional press and media coverage located here.

Technically, Skid Row isn’t classified as a food desert. But try telling that to the residents who struggle to find healthy food options.

What’s a Food Desert?
In California, 8,057 census tracts are classified, and of those, 6.6% qualify as food deserts — low-income areas lacking access to healthy and affordable food options within a reasonable distance, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This means over 530 areas in California don't have ready access to nutritious food. Surprisingly, Skid Row isn’t one of them.

Why Isn’t Skid Row a Food Desert?
The USDA defines a food desert as a low-income area where at least 500 people or 33% of the population live more than half a mile away from a grocery store (for urban areas) or more than 10 miles away (for rural areas). While Skid Row is a low-income area, it’s near several grocery stores. However, these stores are located in gentrified Los Angeles neighborhoods such as Little Tokyo, the Arts District, the Fashion District, and Downtown Los Angeles.

The grocery stores in these areas cater more to newcomers living in luxury apartments, often excluding or even evicting Skid Row residents. This disconnect leads to Skid Row’s functional status as a food desert despite its proximity to grocery stores.

How Do Skid Row Residents Eat?
Skid Row has residents with diverse living conditions. Some live in apartments, some in shelters, some in interim and permanent supportive housing, and some live on the streets. One’s living condition mandates the flexibility one may have for food.

For example, someone living in an apartment may have more options because they have their own storage. However, it’s common for apartments in Skid Row not to have stoves, cooking appliances, and refrigerators. This limits their flexibility with food options.

Those living in shelters or interim housing may have access to the food provided there. Though meals are offered, residents of these spaces aren’t necessarily given much choice as to what they can eat. What’s being served is often their only option.

Individuals facing homelessness, particularly those living on the streets, may resort to soup kitchens, meal vouchers, or unreliable and unsafe food sources for sustenance.

Each differing living condition in Skid Row comes with its own set of obstacles to finding healthy food options. Soup kitchens, EBT cards, meal vouchers, food stamps, and donations aren’t always effective in solving this problem.

The Ramifications
The limited food choices available to Skid Row residents can be dehumanizing. Outsiders might see any meal as sufficient, but variety is necessary for both .

Government aid, such as EBT cards, food stamps, and meal vouchers, offers some relief by allowing access to discretionary funds, but only if there are places to buy healthy food and ways to prepare it safely. Skid Row’s proximity to grocery stores doesn’t solve the problem, as exclusionary attitudes and anti-homeless cultures keep residents confined.

The Need for Local Grocery Stores
Addressing Skid Row’s food insecurity requires accessible grocery stores. offers grants for developing stores in underserved communities, but Skid Row’s lack of a food desert classification excludes it from this aid.

Current Solutions and the Road Ahead
Despite these challenges, there are people and organizations working toward solutions:

• Nonprofits and Small Businesses: provides healthy food and equitable jobs. Recently acquired by , this market aims to expand its capacity and address food insecurity.

• Public Sector: Local, state, and federal governments are also working to address homelessness and food insecurity. Initiatives by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and U.S. President Joe Biden aim to address these issues comprehensively.

As public, private, and nonprofit efforts persist, the ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝ remains committed to its mission of developing housing solutions and supporting access to nutritious food for all. Our dedication extends beyond our clients to the broader Los Angeles community, emphasizing the importance of empowering individuals through both housing and food security.

If you're a resident of Skid Row and need assistance with accessing food, visit our Access Center. Our dedicated team is here to connect you with resources like food banks, local pantries, and other support services. 

Pets are family members. We all know this. That’s why the ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝ strives to keep our clients and their pets together.

Why pets are important
For people experiencing homelessness, the pet-human bond is especially important. The bond with a pet is sometimes the only warm, personal connection a person has.

People seeking shelter can’t afford to be choosy; so when safe shelters don’t accommodate pets, unhoused people are forced into impossible decisions. Many would do anything for their animal companion, even if it means sacrificing housing.

that having a pet provides a sense of responsibility and a reason to live, reduces substance abuse, and encourages receiving proper healthcare.

Pet’s increase their owner’s well-being, and for people experiencing homelessness, that often includes seeking out safe and secure housing.

How the ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝ welcomes pets
Our housing developments are designed with pet-friendly amenities, including designated dog parks like the ones at Hilda L. Solis Care First Village and The Weingart Beacon. These spaces foster safety and a sense of community, recognizing pets' personal role in our residents' lives.

In addition to our developments having pet-friendly spaces, the ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝ provides support for pet care. We assist with providing pet food and supplies, bedding, veterinary visits, and medication.

We care for pets' well-being because we understand their value in empowering our clients. The bond between human and pet provides comfort and care that can be crucial to the success of our programs and to ending the cycle of homelessness.

Meet Cerbeus
Meet Amy and her Emotional Support Animal, Cerbeus. Cerbeus is a very hyper seven-and-a-half-month-old cat and has grown up at The Weingart Beacon. He is very attached to Amy, loves chewing on tree leaves from the second-floor balcony, and enjoys sitting on the windowsill when the sun is shining. Amy states, "Cerbeus is my best friend. He keeps me company. I got him when he was a few weeks old."

Introducing, Princess!
Meet Jose and his Emotional Support Animal, Princess. Princess is a Boxer/Pitbull mix who is now eight months old. Her dad brought her home when she was eight weeks old, and the staff at The Weingart Beacon has had the pleasure of watching this beauty transform into an extremely intelligent friend of the facility. Princess is very playful and has a good relationship with everyone, but when it’s time to be serious and do her training, she turns into a very good listener and has mastered multiple commands she has learned from her human. Jose states, “Princess has been my rock. She has gotten me through many hard times. I feel like if it wasn’t for Princess, I wouldn’t be here. Princess is more than my Emotional Support Animal, she is my daughter.”

Support their bonds!
You can support our clients by supporting their pets. We accept pet donations such as: collars, bedding, pet food, potty pads, and other pet supplies. You can also make a monetary donation and specify that it's for “clients with pets.”

On April 1, 2024, the ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝ hosted its 28th Annual Weingart Golf Classic fundraiser at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, CA. The event was sponsored by City National Bank and presented by U.S. Bank. With more than 200 supporters in attendance, the ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝ raised significant funds to support its comprehensive programs and services, each designed to support those experiencing homelessness in the greater Los Angeles area.

Below you will find photos and video from the event. Click on images to enlarge.

The Check-In Experience

The Shopping Experience

The Breakfast & Lunch Experience

The School Experience

The Tournament Experience

The Chip-Off Experience

The Reception Experience

Tournament Results

Low Net - 3rd Place
Group 9B
Matt Bires
Jonathan Hausfater
Alphonse Lordo
Jeff Bazoian

Low Net - 2nd Place
Group 5B
Devin Chiodini
Peter Barker
Jack Ryan
John San Juan

Low Net - 1st Place
Group 16B
Dan Zamora
Nick Langley
Mike Newton
Ray McOwen

Low Gross - 1st Place
Group 4B
Tony Behrstock
David Kaufman
Nick Martinez
Todd Okum

Golf School Putting Contest
Kerry Casey

Tournament Putting Contest Winner
Ryan Friscia

Chip-Off Finalist
Craig Lawson

Longest Drive - Hole #2
Dan Zamora (men)
Alexis Austin (women)

Hole-in-One
N/A

Closest to Pin
Bryan Milinovich

Sponsors

This year, we’re privileged to honor William A. Witte, Chairman and CEO of Related California at the 28th Annual Weingart Golf Classic. Mr. Witte has dedicated his career to addressing affordable housing and homelessness.

His collaboration and support were integral to developing 600 San Pedro, one of our permanent supportive housing sites at the ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝. This partnership reflects his commitment to addressing California's pressing housing needs.

Join us in honoring Mr. Witte’s commitment to addressing homelessness by attending the 19th Hole Reception after the Golf Tournament. Get your tickets .

William A. Witte’s Impact
Mr. Witte’s dedication to addressing affordable housing extends beyond 600 San Pedro. Since founding Related California over 30 years ago, Mr. Witte has helped create over 95 permanent supportive housing developments, single-room occupancy, and affordable family housing throughout California.

William A. Witte’s career in housing
Before his work at Related California, Mr. Witte served as Deputy Mayor for Housing and Neighborhoods under San Francisco Mayor Art Agnos, Director of Housing and Economic Development under Mayor Dianne Feinstein, and Commissioner of the San Francisco Housing Authority.

Mr. Witte previously served as Executive Assistant to Assistant Secretary for Housing/Federal Housing Commissioner Lawrence B. Simons at HUD in Washington, as Legislative Director for the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials and with the Philadelphia Office of Housing and Community Development.

We are astounded by Mr. Witte’s commitment to creating equitable housing in California. His dedication is apparent through his work with the ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝ and beyond. Thank you, Mr. Witte, for your commitment to addressing homelessness and affordable housing!

Imagine the feeling of not being able to locate a loved one.

You haven’t seen your family member or friend in a while and have no way to find them. They’re out on the street somewhere — you think — but you don’t know where, and there’s no way to reach them. What are you left with? Feelings. Big, deep feelings: grief, confusion, anger, and worry.

Now imagine that someone can reunite you with your loved one. That’s us, the ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝.

Whenever possible, our reunification services help put family and friends back together, relieving anxiety for both parties.

How it works

Our Reunification Services fall within the scope of our Problem Solving Program and exemplify a pragmatic approach to ending homelessness.

Our Problem Solving Program team commits time and resources to help reconnect friends and families, doing so with the agreement and cooperation of the individuals experiencing homelessness. While some of these individuals are clients of the ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝, others find their way to us via our Access Center or through referrals from various agencies.

Initiating contact, the team works to reforge connections between the individual and their family or friends, exploring opportunities for permanent housing. When there's a chance for such support, our team stays in touch with everyone involved and continues to manage the case until the individual is securely housed. The ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝ allocates a specific budget for these reunification efforts, covering costs like travel and meals to facilitate the reunion of loved ones.

Reunification may not be the best support route for every client within our programs. That’s why we ensure this approach is appropriate and beneficial for the clients it aims to serve, and that family and friends are willing and able to participate.

Why is reunification important?

The support of friends and family surpasses even the most robust homelessness services. As we all know, having people who care makes an incredibly positive impact on life. Loving, caring relationships are at the center of emotional, social, and financial support systems. That’s why, in our program, our case managers work with the loved ones of the client to develop an action plan that addresses specific issues that contribute to their situation in homelessness — like mental health issues, substance abuse, and unemployment. Aligning the case manager, client, and loved ones significantly increases the odds of success in our programs.

With a willing support system, reunification catalyzes transformative change. It paves the way for a more stable and supportive environment, laying a foundation for independence and self-fulfillment.

Our Reunification Services help to bring people back together. As such, they’re an essential part of our suite of programs, such as interim housing, permanent supportive housing, and our services and programs tailored to meet the individual needs of each person. All of our programs are designed to achieve one thing: ending the cycle of homelessness.

If you are someone experiencing homelessness and would like to know more about our Reunification Services, visit our Access Center Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

Even though Black or African-American individuals make up only 8% of the broader demographic of Los Angeles County, fully one-third of people experiencing homelessness represent that demographic. While homelessness is an issue that can affect anyone, it’s deeply intertwined with race issues, posing unique challenges for Black communities.

Commemorating Black History Month
We acknowledge the distinct experience Black communities face while surviving homelessness: generational trauma, racism, discrimination, and bias are all additional obstacles, on top of finding food and shelter. However, through this struggle, countless Black leaders have risen to advocate for their community.

Their activism, rooted in liberation and justice, is unique. It’s unique because of their power to advocate for their community. It’s unique because their passion, empathy, and courage have changed the way nonprofits and public entities lift up those who are experiencing homelessness toward sustained independence and liberation. Without their dedication and vision, the landscape of our work in aiding the unhoused would be fundamentally different.

Black leaders addressing homelessness in Los Angeles and beyond
Here are just a few of the many Black leaders who have made an impact in addressing homelessness. Many focus on issues like mental health and LGBTQ+ concerns that distinctly impact Black communities.

Bebe Moore Campbell (1950-2006) was an author, journalist, and activist who worked in mental health. She focused on how mental health deeply impacted underserved groups, including Black communities, people of color, and those experiencing homelessness. As the co-founder of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Urban Los Angeles, Campbell assembled a task force in 2005 to make legislation that would implement a Mental Health Awareness Month. Though she passed away from brain cancer in 2006, her task force successfully designated July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in 2008.

Dr. Joyce Ladner (1943—) is a prominent Black leader who has been a dedicated advocate for addressing poverty, homelessness, and mental health issues within African American communities. As a sociologist, her research specifically delved into the impact of poverty on Black women. President Bill Clinton later appointed her to the District of Columbia Financial Control Board. In this role, Dr. Ladner oversaw public schools, public health, and employment services in the District of Columbia. Her expertise has been leveraged as a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, a public policy research group. Dr. Ladner's research on urban affairs has played a crucial role in shaping policies to enhance city quality of life.

Jewel Thais-Williams (1939—) is a Los Angeles activist with deep involvement in creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals, many of whom have experienced homelessness and mental health issues. In the late 1980s, during the AIDS crisis, Thais-Williams founded the Minority AIDS Project, which aimed at supporting Black and Hispanic communities impacted by the disease. She also co-founded Rue’s House, the first housing facility to house women of color with AIDS and their children.

Ted Hayes (1951—) is a homelessness, youth, and civil rights leader with longstanding activism in Los Angeles. He has had many initiatives and advocacy efforts to help empower those experiencing homelessness. In 1984, for example, Hayes organized a Tent City demonstration in LA, Justiceville, that drew attention to homelessness. This created media visibility for the growing issue and a self-empowering community for those experiencing homelessness.

Many additional Black leaders undoubtedly play or have played a significant role in addressing homelessness. We honor all of them, and we give thanks. Without them, we and countless other organizations working to address homelessness would not have the same tools, perspectives, and insights to support and lift up those experiencing homelessness and to do it with compassion and justice.

In everything we do — from programming to architecture — serving our residents is our focus.

At the ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝, our programs work because we always keep our residents in mind. We account for their experiences of homelessness and work to provide them with services and programs that benefit them most.

What is Human-centered design?
This focus leads us to involve our clients in developing programs that help lead them out of homelessness. Human-centered design, or HCD, dates to the 1950s, and is a practice that places users at the heart of the design process, taking care to translate their needs and behaviors into effective solutions that fill their unique challenges. This methodology is key to ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝â€™s success, and the success we’ve had with our clients.

Elements of Human-centered design
Here are just some of the ways we incorporate human-centered design into our approach, placing clients at the center of their own success.

1. Making our interim housing and permanent supportive housing accessible is vital. Our residents need a space they can access to begin their journey into stable living.

2. People need privacy. In our permanent supportive housing units, clients are given their own room and bathroom. This helps establish a sense of self and safety.

3. Community spaces foster connections, joy, and accountability. We want our clients to feel supported not only by our staff but by their peers. Though the journey out of homelessness is not always easy, having a network of support fosters positive results.

4. Access to services that address specific needs, like employment and health, creates lasting systems with long-term impacts.

5. Homelessness is traumatizing. That’s why we provide trauma-informed care to help people heal and grow.

6. Homelessness and the experiences that come with it are constantly changing. Making sure our programs are adaptable and flexible sets us up to be ready for any changes needed.

More people housed
We developed our interim housing and permanent supportive housing programs with deep consideration of the people we serve and the community that surrounds us. Our success shows that our approach works.

Throughout the year, we’ll provide updates about our efforts to end the cycle of homelessness.

Even in Los Angeles there’s a risk of hypothermia.

Experiencing homelessness is a matter of survival. It’s hard on your body. It’s hard on your mind. And it’s hard on your emotions. It’s hard, especially during the winter.

The risks of winter
When temperatures drop, those without shelter, warm clothes, blankets, and nutritious meals face serious health concerns. Even temperatures under 50ºF put many — seniors and children especially — at risk of hypothermia.

During hypothermia, people might have decreased awareness, an elevated heart rate, and irregular blood flow. A lack of basic needs during the wintertime puts people experiencing homelessness at a distinct risk to their health.

Last resorts to staying warm
To stay warm, people who are unhoused resort to unsafe measures — like alcohol, drugs, and lighting small fires.

Alcohol
Alcohol might emulate feeling warm, but in cold weather, it does quite the opposite. Since alcohol opens up blood vessels, it makes people more susceptible to colder temperatures.

Fire
Fires, on the other hand, might be effective at warming people; they are also incredibly dangerous. When unhoused people attempt to light a fire on the street they also put themselves and those around them at risk for injury. In fact, during cold spells

That’s why warm, safe, and stable housing is vital. Our services at the ĚěĂŔ´«Ă˝ are designed to uplift those experiencing homelessness by creating pathways to stable and safe housing.

Learn more at weingart.org.

A councilwoman, an art day, a feast?! Oh my!

11010 smB has been busy! Over the past month, we hosted Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky on Veteran’s Day, Art Day, and a Thanksgiving feast. Each of these events showcased the community being built. Here at 11010 smB, we serve seniors and senior Veterans in our permanent supportive housing.

On Veteran’s Day, Councilwoman Yaroslavsky toured 11010 smB and met many clients who bravely served in the military.

Our Art Day allowed our residents to explore their creativity and produce great works of art.

The Thanksgiving feast at 11010 smB was filled with joy. There's something special about sharing a meal with those around you. We not only enjoyed delicious food but also took time to reflect on what we’re thankful for.

Yes, it was a busy period, and no, we're not slowing down. The events at 11010 smB are crucial in fostering a sense of home, community, and belonging. As we approach our one-year mark since opening, we're deepening our impact with our permanent supportive housing programs to further uplift those experiencing homelessness.

A heartfelt thank you to all who joined us on Giving Tuesday. Your support fuels our ongoing efforts to lift up individuals facing homelessness in Los Angeles. Giving Tuesday serves as a powerful symbol of radical generosity—a reminder to leverage our time, resources, and finances to create a more compassionate world.

The spirit of radical generosity is something we can embody each day. Let’s all extend a helping hand to those in our circles—family, neighbors, colleagues, and community. Whether it's sharing a meal, offering assistance, or simply expressing appreciation, these small acts can make a profound impact.

To everyone who shares our mission to end the cycle of homelessness, thank you.