About A community of friends
A Community of Friends: Ending Homelessness through Permanent Supportive Housing
A Community of Friends is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to ending homelessness through permanent supportive housing for people with mental illness across Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino county. The organization was founded in 1988 by a group of concerned citizens who recognized the need for safe and affordable housing for people with mental illness who were experiencing homelessness.
Since its inception, A Community of Friends has been committed to providing permanent supportive housing that not only meets the basic needs of its residents but also provides them with the support they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives. The organization believes that everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home, regardless of their income or mental health status.
One of the key components of A Community of Friends' approach is its focus on permanent supportive housing. This type of housing combines affordable rental units with on-site services such as case management, counseling, and healthcare. By providing these services on-site, residents are able to receive the support they need without having to navigate complex systems or travel long distances.
In addition to providing permanent supportive housing, A Community of Friends also works closely with local governments and community organizations to advocate for policies that support affordable housing development. The organization recognizes that ending homelessness requires more than just building new units; it requires systemic change at all levels.
Over the years, A Community of Friends has developed an impressive track record when it comes to creating high-quality permanent supportive housing developments. To date, the organization has developed over 2,800 units across Southern California. These developments range from small apartment buildings in urban areas to larger complexes in suburban communities.
One example is Silver Star Apartments located in Los Angeles County which provides 49 units for formerly homeless veterans living with disabilities along with onsite case management services provided by U.S.VETS – Inglewood; another example is Casa del Sol located in Santa Ana which provides 50 apartments serving low-income families including those experiencing homelessness along with onsite resident services provided by Jamboree Housing Corporation.
All developments are designed not only meet basic needs but also provide amenities such as community rooms where residents can gather together for social events or meetings; outdoor spaces where children can play safely; laundry facilities so residents don't have worry about finding a laundromat nearby; computer labs so residents can access job search resources online among other things.
In addition to developing new properties from scratch or rehabilitating existing ones into high-quality homes for those most vulnerable among us - individuals living on fixed incomes due primarily because they have serious mental illnesses - ACOF also offers programs aimed at helping tenants maintain their independence once they move into one our properties like financial literacy classes offered through partnerships like Bank On LA program which helps tenants learn how manage money better while living independently within our communities
Overall,A Community Of Friend's mission is clear: end homelessness through permanent supportive housing solutions tailored specifically towards individuals suffering from severe mental illnesses across Southern California counties including Los Angeles County , Orange County , Riverside County ,and San Bernardino County . With over three decades experience under their belt coupled alongside strong partnerships within local government agencies as well as private sector entities alike - there's no doubt this nonprofit will continue making strides towards achieving this goal until every person has access safe & stable place call home!