Councilmember Joe Buscaino (District 15) joined Mayor Eric Garcetti, the Housing Authority of Los Angeles (HACLA), LA Homelessness Services Authority (LAHAS), Salvation Army; and Homeless Outreach Program integrated Care System (HOPICS); as well as hundreds of community members, officially opened the new A Bridge Home temporary emergency shelter in Watts.
“This is a temporary housing meant to get people off the streets, into the system and help them with whatever services they need to get back on their feet,” Buscaino said. “In fact, this is the only A Bridge Home site that going to have a job placement center thanks to the housing authority.”
This location offers restrooms, showers, meals, storage and beds for 100 people. It even has a small dog park.
There are onsite staff persons who will work with residents to connect to all necessary services and work toward permanent housing.
This is the first of three A Bridge Home projects in Councilmember Buscaino’s district, the other two will soon break ground in San Pedro and Wilmington. Unlike previous shelters, this new model houses residents 24/7 until they get placed into permanent housing.
With the passage of Measures HHH and H, the city of Los Angles and the Los Angeles County are leading initiatives to address the housing and homelessness crisis affecting our communities. There are more than 26 A Bridge Home sites open or in development across Los Angeles.
The Watts A Bridge Home facility is located at 2316 Imperial Hwy., LA. The People Concern is the service provider for the site. They will lead the efforts in providing mental health, substance abuse, housing and job readiness services. The lead service provider has the opportunity to extend its partnership with other service-based organizations depending on the need of the clients.
