LA Home Villages

By: Evelyn Silva Rosales

A new breakthrough in the homeless population of LA has been set forth with the implementation of a project that was approved 5 years ago. Today, this project is a reality in 6 LA neighborhoods, where unhoused residents have the opportunity to live in small houses of 64 square feet.

This project was designed to help residents “step out of homelessness” by allowing them to reside in these houses for three to six months. The 6 villages– Chandler Blvd, Alexandria Park, Tarzana Sun Flower Cabin Community, Reseda Cabin Community, Whitsett West, and Arroyo Seco– are run by staff of the non-profit Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission organization, and in these homes residents have access to “heat, air conditioning, a built-in bed” as well as “hot meals, communal laundry, and restrooms.” The establishment of these houses has allowed for the homeless population of LA to experience a positive change in their lives as they receive support in a “humane and concrete way.” 

In addition to the housing support residents have in these tiny home villages, the staff is also providing support in the process of job applications and benefits. The relationship between the staff and its residents is notably one of the most important reasons for the advancement of this project. Many of its residents have expressed their gratitude for the help they have received and are currently in the process of looking for their own permanent homes. Residents feel moral support and are motivated to settle down, which ultimately fulfills the goal of these home villages; giving comfort and helping them take the first step out of homelessness. ​

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