First published in the Feb. 19 print issue of the Glendale News Press.
On Monday, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, the National Health Foundation, Upward Housing and the L.A. County Department of Health Services celebrated the opening of a new recuperative care housing site in Glendale for people experiencing homelessness.
The NHF Glendale Housing for Health Program features a fully renovated and modern 36-bed full-service facility, according to Barger. Individuals discharged from hospitals with no place to go will convalesce in this supportive environment while they are connected to long-term, stable housing.
“Today, we’re celebrating an important accomplishment in the fight against homelessness,” said Barger, who represents Glendale at the county level. “Staffed around the clock by nurses and dedicated social workers, this program offers a place to heal for those who otherwise would’ve become homeless. Solving the homelessness crisis takes investment in program models that provide both housing solutions and support services, like this one. This model works.”
Barger added that the program “showcases how various partner agencies can successfully collaborate to develop meaningful solutions in the fight against homelessness.”
Kelly Bruno, chief executive officer of the NHF, said the organization was proud to work with dedicated partners for this cause.
“The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services and Upward Housing partnerships are a cornerstone of our values and how we serve our communities to address localized barriers to health,” Bruno said.
Upward Housing, a local organization that sources, identifies and attains properties for purpose-driven use, purchased the property and prepared it for the new use. Other prominent supporters at Monday’s announcement included Mayor Paula Devine and councilmen Ara Najarian and Vrej Agajanian.
The program has already begun to provide services.
“The program has made a huge difference in my life, by giving me a clean, secure, safe place to live,” said an NHF client, identified as Michelle. “Staff here have helped in matching me with permanent housing so I may be independent on my own again.”
