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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sam Borelli
sam@whchc.org
323-650-8771 ext. 122
 

FOR HOUSING INQUIRES:
www.whchc.org/find-housing


LOS ANGELES MAYOR BASS JOINS WHCHC TO OPEN BERENDO SAGE
Forty-two families housed at all new affordable apartment community

LA Mayor Bass and resident Pamela

West Hollywood, California (March 14, 2023) — Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, community leaders and new residents celebrated the grand opening of West Hollywood Community Housing Corporation’s (WHCHC) all-new affordable apartment community, Berendo Sage, on Friday, March 10, 2023.
 
“This is very exciting,” Mayor Bass exclaimed. “This is the goal.”
 
Located in the Koreatown/Pico-Union neighborhoods of Los Angeles, Berendo Sage provides 42 high-quality affordable rental apartments for families with limited income, with 21 units reserved as permanent supportive housing for households who have experienced homelessness.
 
“We’ve been thrilled to welcome over 85 people home,” said Jesse Slansky, WHCHC President & CEO. “At the same time, we were overwhelmed with the number of applicants. More than 7,200 people applied for Berendo Sage.”

“I finally have peace of mind,” resident Pamela (above) declared. “After 18 years as a behavioral therapist within LAUSD, I didn’t think my daughter and I would ever be displaced. We spent years staying with friends, family and sometimes hotels, nearly depleting my 401(k). Now we are home.”
 
Another new resident, Ericka stated, “I can’t believe that we get to live here. It’s such a relief for me and my three children. It’s already helping me regain my confidence and independence.”

Berendo Sage is built on formerly under-utilized city-owned land and is partially funded by the Los Angeles Housing Department’s Measure HHH. Additional funders include Corporation for Supportive Housing, California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, California Debt Limit Allocation Committee, Citi Community Capital and Enterprise Community Partners.
 
Berendo Sage enhances the neighborhood with its unique design by Urban Architecture Lab. The building itself comes alive upon approach with a striking mural by artist, Myisha Arellano. The colorful, commissioned art, inspired by the community’s diverse heritage and unique palette, begins in the lobby and carries through each level. The effect from the street, especially after dusk, is warm and lively. The lobby includes a relaxed seating area and offices for the building manager and resident support services. Built by United Building Company, Berendo Sage received LEED for Homes Gold certification for environmental sustainability.
 
With breathtaking views of Los Angeles, the skydeck at Berendo Sage includes a fully furnished community room with two floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The community room includes a kitchenette and computer area, and serves as a hub for group activities such as lifelong learning workshops, exercise and nutrition programs, and social functions that inspire community connection while combatting isolation. A barbecue area, numerous gathering spots and lush landscaping complete the outdoor setting for all residents to enjoy year-round.
 
“WHCHC affordable apartment communities are known to be amenity-rich,” said Anup Patel, WHCHC’s Director of Real Estate Development. “Berendo Sage’s skydeck reaches a new level of thoughtful design and function that will positively impact our resident’s health and wellness for years to come.”
 
Designed for families, Berendo Sage includes one, two and three-bedroom homes, each with their own private balcony, and universal design features to accommodate all physical abilities while allowing for residents to age-in-place.
 
“I was honored to work on Berendo Sage,” said Landy Joseph, WHCHC Project Manager. “It is really meaningful to know that with the stability of housing our newest residents will have a fresh start in a beautiful environment.”
 
As at all WHCHC affordable apartment communities, on-site supportive services are available to all residents at no cost. WHCHC’s resident services team meet with all new households to assess their needs, create individualized service plans, and connect them to critical resources.
 
Just a few blocks away, WHCHC’s Mariposa Lily is scheduled to complete this June and includes 41 units for low- and extremely low-income individuals and families, with half reserved for those who have experienced homelessness. Berendo Sage and Mariposa Lily join WHCHC’s three additional affordable communities at the nexus of Koreatown and Pico-Union neighborhoods in Los Angeles Council District’s 1 and 10. Westmore Linden, 93 units for seniors, and Elden Elms, 93 units for families, both opened during the pandemic and currently house over 350 people combined. Vermont Manzanita, 40 units for families, opened in 2015 and houses over 100 people.

“We are thrilled to complete Berendo Sage,” said WHCHC’s Board Chair, Karl Lott. “The crisis continues and we are mission-driven to be a part of the solution to housing affordability and homelessness.”

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WHCHC with Mayor Bass
West Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (WHCHC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community housing development organization. WHCHC has been building homes and providing services that move community members from insecurity to stability since 1986. WHCHC currently houses over 1,200 residents in 744 units in 21 affordable apartment communities in three cities. WHCHC has five projects in development. For more information, please visit, www.whchc.org.
 
For housing inquires please visit, https://www.whchc.org/find-housing
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