L.A. County Allocates $4.2 Million for Potential North Hollywood Interim Housing

Los Angeles County is exploring the conversion of a 1950s commercial building in North Hollywood into interim housing for transgender and nonbinary individuals experiencing homelessness. The property, located at 12135 Victory Boulevard and currently hosting offices and a pool hall, might soon house 30 beds of interim housing pending approval at the November 7 Board of Supervisors meeting.

 

12135 Victory Boulevard

The owner of the two-story building has expressed interest in selling to the County, initiating a potential partnership with LA Family Housing to operate the housing facility. Before finalizing the acquisition, due diligence is crucial, involving negotiations on the $4.2 million purchase price. The County has earmarked these funds from the American Rescue Plan, covering the purchase cost and approximately $290,000 for potential building rehabilitation.

 

Lessons from Previous Negotiations

This venture follows a previous attempt by the County to establish a similar facility in the San Fernando Valley. Negotiations for a building at 14303 Sylvan Street in Van Nuys fell through, as reported in a staff report. The current endeavor aims to address the housing needs of transgender and nonbinary individuals in the San Fernando Valley, serving as the second initiative of its kind.

 

A Milestone for Service Planning Area 2

If approved, this facility would mark a significant milestone as the first transgender and non-binary-specific interim housing within the L.A. County Department of Public Health's Service Planning Area 2. Covering the San Fernando Valley and the northwest corner of the County, this project responds to the overrepresentation of LGBTQ+ individuals among younger adults and homeless youth, often a result of family rejection and discrimination.

 

The Challenge for LGBTQ+ Individuals

The staff report underscores the critical need for such facilities, emphasizing the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, especially non-binary and transgender persons, in accessing services. With a focus on inclusivity and targeted support, this proposed interim housing project aligns with efforts to address the specific hurdles faced by this community in the realm of homelessness.