Purple Heart mosaic unveiled

Los Angeles Councilwoman Jan Perry unveiled original artwork, “Purple Heart,” last Thursday at a residential property dedicated solely to veterans of the U.S. Armed Services.
The large-scale mosaic mural was conceived and handmade by the many residents of Skid Row who participate in free workshops sponsored by Piece by Piece.
“I am honored to be a part of this loving Valentine’s Day gift and I join in celebrating and thanking our veterans here in Central City East. They have sacrificed for all of us and they deserve this honor,” said Councilwoman Perry.
The military decoration known as the “Purple Heart” is awarded to any member of the U.S. Armed Forces who was wounded or killed while serving his/her country. The mosaicwas a Valentine’s Day gift to the residents of the Southland and other veterans who call Central City East their home.
Piece by Piece is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower residents of Skid Row and other underserved communities of Los Angeles by teaching them the marketable skill of creating high-quality works of mosaic art that they can then sell for profit. The “students” are of all ages; and, for many of them, the workshops provide a rewarding and safe haven from an otherwise stressful life. By nurturing creativity and encouraging entrepreneurship, Piece by Piece strives to inspire members of Skid Row and other disadvantaged communities to recapture their lives and futures.
Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Executive Director/CEO, Anita Nelson, thanked Piece by Piece for their efforts in recognizing and bringing attention to the large homeless and formerly homeless Veteran population in Skid Row, stating: “This mural, in symbol and in act, embraces the concept of selflessness and service and is a poignant homage to the one-in-four men and women who have served our country and now find themselves without house or home.”
SRO Housing Corporation is a non-profit, community-based organization dedicated to building a healthy community for homeless and very low-income individuals in the Central City East Community of downtown Los Angeles, an area more commonly known as “Skid Row”. SRO Housing’s vision of a thriving urban community extends to all aspects of its work. It enhances the quality of life through the development and management of high-quality, service-enriched housing. SRO is committed to restoring a sense of dignity, civility, and respect to a population that has been habitually ignored and forgotten.