Meet Our Residents

In 2019, Ken and his husband Juan celebrated their 13th anniversary together and one year anniversary at Blue Hibiscus. They previously lived on the same site in an older bungalow court that WHCHC redeveloped in 2016 to double the number of affordable home. “Juan and I are so grateful to not be priced out of our neighborhood and our community,” Ken said.

More than just returning to the neighborhood they call home, Blue Hibiscus provides many amenities that are vital to their activities of daily living. Blue Hibiscus incorporates universal design principles so residents can truly age in place.

Every apartment is designed to be functional and practical for people both with and without mobility impairments. The goal is no resident should be displaced due to acquired disability. “Juan is more reliant on a wheelchair and we have been so relieved that WHCHC considered this, not just for us, but in all of the units,” said Ken. “We really enjoy the community that has been made here. We like participating in the gardening program. It gives us another opportunity to get to know our neighbors.”

Anna M. moved to the US from Armenia in 1994 when she was just 21 years old. “This is my dream, my country,” she said with a glow. Anna remembers the day in 2001 when she received a phone call telling her that she won the lottery for a unit at Detroit Family Apartments in West Hollywood. “I was one of the first people in the building,” she said proudly. Both Anna and her husband of 25 years are musicians and trained pianists. They both went to music school and graduated as conductors. Anna currently works as the manager of an organic nail clinic while her husband works in construction.

Anna and her husband raised a son and a daughter at Detroit Family Apartments. She is very proud to say that her son graduated from college with a degree in Political Science and is now employed by the Superior Court. During her time living at Detroit Family Apartments she said her activities with Resident Services has been wonderful. Her relationship with Alla, her Resident Service Coordinator, has been exceptional. Anna says that she loves her home, in fact, “I love America too much!” she said with a laugh.  “I am always saying to my family, the place where I live is the center soul of Los Angeles.”

Nahshon, an award-winning multi-hyphenate writer, producer and emerging filmmaker, happily remembers her four years’ experience living at WHCHC’s Genesee-Willoughby apartment community in the early 2000s. “Every day I woke up, I loved looking out my window at the beautiful Jacaranda tree which made me feel like I lived in a treehouse,” she said enthusiastically. “And, West Hollywood is one of the few places one could live in low-income housing and have Faye Dunaway as a neighbor,” Nahshon recalled with a laugh. Growing up in the backyard of Hollywood, Nahshon began her journey as a production assistant at the age of 19 on the Keenen Ivory Wayans late-night talk show. That same summer, Nahshon became the victim of gun violence which inflicted a life-threatening injury leaving bullet fragments in her elbow. Due to her unfortunate physical and emotional trauma, she became eligible for affordable housing.  

It was Nahshon’s dedicated social worker who introduced her to WHCHC and subsequently led to her living at Genesee-Willoughby. With the stability of affordable housing Nahshon was able to thrive and focus on her creativity and career. “Low-income housing has been the crucial foundation that has allowed me, as a disabled individual with limited financial resources, not only to survive but also to pursue and achieve my artistic aspirations like writing and filmmaking,” said Nahshon.   

Currently living in New York City, Nahshon is flourishing and looking brightly towards the future. She is the author of a forthcoming untitled memoir and Executive Producer and Host of TRANSBRATIONS, a YouTube show. In addition she is also consulting for artists by helping secure grants and funding. Nahshon is passionate about advocating for disabled and transgender artists which is evident as she has received a National Arts & Disability Center Artists Achievement award. “I am grateful for every milestone I've reached. Overcoming challenges and adversity, I am proud of how far I've come. I mainly look forward to my rainbow shining bright and aging with dignity and grace and celebrating my life,” said Nahshon with gratitude.

Our resident, Señora Silvia dreamed of becoming a U.S. citizen.  After what seemed an almost impossible task, with loads of red tape and waiting for nearly four years Señora Silvia never lost hope. Though she faced hurdle after hurdle and even took the Natrualization test twice she didn't give up. In addition, Señora Silvia does not speak English, despite this she studied so diligently that she knew all the correct answers to the 100 test questions in English. Her tenacious mindset and constant desire to achieve her goal finally paid off. With the guidance from her RSCs, Señora Silvia obtained her citizenship this past summer. She was joined at the ceremony by her son, Ivan, and RSCs Cheryl & Judy.

Hayworth House resident Roxy has always prioritized home decorating. An award-winning interior designer, she looks at her apartment community from an artist’s point of view. She expressed how much she likes the building’s layout, palette, and the way it is complemented by three beautiful plants. “I walked in [to Hayworth House] and loved the bones of the building,” Roxy explained. Her at-home hobbies include decorating her apartment and her neighbors'. “I’ve spent a lot of time redecorating,” Roxy shared. “My style tends to be minimalistic.” 

Roxy had previously lived in a studio apartment with her son. Today, Roxy thrives on her own at Hayworth House. “I found out about this opportunity, and I just remember thinking… ‘Thank God’!”

A quiet library aide, full of extensive knowledge and a thirst for world travel, Lyubov has been employed by the Los Angeles Unified School District for 26 years (seen here at the legendary Hollywood High School Library). Lyubov has worked at the legendary Hollywood High School Library for the past 10 years. Working with children for over 51 years her love for education is her passion. Being actively involved with her community is something that Lyubov prides herself on. She has served on the West Hollywood Russian Advisory Board since 2010. 

Lyubov became a resident at WHCHC in 2000 and loves her home at Detroit Family Apartments. “I can’t imagine living anywhere else, I walk everywhere but I love to come home,” Lyubov said. She truly enjoys living in Detroit Family Apartments where she feels safe and connected to people of similar culture.

“There are no apartments like this one. Everything is great, the price, the area, everything,” said Jea with a smile. As a retired commercial painter, Jea saw many different apartments in LA throughout his career and none compared to their current home at Vermont Manzanita. Soon Kang and Jea have both always been hard workers. Soon Kang was a manager at BCD Tofu for 20 years. When the couple came to the US twenty-five years ago they worked so much that they rarely had time to socialize. When they retired living at Vermont Manzanita was a true blessing.

Retirement in stable housing has encouraged the couple to interact more socially within a familiar community. Soon Kang fondly remembers hosting barbeque parties with their friends at Vermont Manzanita, (pre-pandemic) sharing the food was a good way to get to know their neighbors.

Life in retirement is much simpler for Soon Kang and Jea. Every day they go to the gym inside their building (except for Sunday when they go to church) and focus on their fitness. “Self-care is so important,” said Soon Kang. She added thoughtfully, “Always take care of yourself, that’s the best advice I can give.” 

Over the years Soon Kang and Jea have received fresh produce, gift cards during Christmas and sanitary items such as hand sanitizer. “Our Resident Service Coordinator has been very good to us,” said Jea with a nod, “There is not one bad thing about her.”

Jovita is a wise and hard-working woman determined to make a better path for her family. Jovita lives with her son, Ivan, her daughters, Elia & Hailey, and granddaughter, Harmony at Vermont Manzanita. Nearly five years ago the family of five was sleeping on two mattresses on the floor of a one-bedroom apartment. On the verge of being homeless, they got a fateful call that changed the course of their lives. Housing—not just any housing, but a safe, high-quality, affordable three-bedroom unit—was available at a brand new building.

Now, Jovita has gone from a stay-at-home mom to having a fulltime job, and she was recently promoted to assistant manager. Jovita credits her advancement at work to her English speaking skills: she consistently attends ESL classes in the community, and WHCHC’s English Conversation Group. She also reads daily with her daughter, Hailey. Jovita’s oldest, Ivan, began his freshman year at Cal State LA in 2017. Ivan is currently thriving in his third year at the university and will graduate with a BS in Business Administration in next June. Ivan plans on immediately continuing his education to receive a Masters in Sports Medicine.

Darnell worked various jobs over his lifetime: nurse’s assistant, barber, auto salesperson, telephone operator, and for Amtrak. Like so many, after a lifetime of employment, he fell into homelessness in 2018.

Unwilling to settle for the hand he’d been dealt, Darnell kept at it, constantly trying all channels to be one of the lucky ones to secure housing. Darnell expressed his joy about his transition out of homelessness and into Westmore Linden: “It’s been a miracle; I feel like myself again.”

Watch Mariana's live interview here. A long time wish for Mariana has been to live where she can be herself and thrive. Her new home at a WHCHC affordable apartment community is just that. “Feeling safe to be myself is the #1 priority,” Mariana shared. “In West Hollywood, I not only feel safe, but also feel welcomed and loved.” She was ecstatic to move into her new apartment this past summer, and has settled into her space quickly.

Mariana’s work as a Program Manager at the LA LGBT Center’s Trans Wellness Center took her to West Hollywood often. She dreamed of the day she could live in the community she was serving. “As a service provider, I never asked for anything for myself, I am always advocating for others. But this time was for me and I am extremely thankful.”

On a warm summer’s day this past June, fate knocked on Mariana’s door. She had the opportunity to live in her WHCHC apartment. She was so excited about the chance, she already had her application and eligibility documents ready to go: placed neatly in a folder titled “Dreams Come True.”

Mariana remembers being greeted by the building manager who handed the keys to her new home. “When you feel welcome, it means the world. I feel a big change in my life.”Today, housing stability gives Mariana peace of mind and brings motivation to her next step. “I am willing to work to make this city a better place for everyone,” Mariana explained. “After a long journey, I feel like I have finally arrived.”

Since day one, Nonna has been comfortable and at ease in her WHCHC apartment community. She loves relaxing inside while listening to music and walking outside to the West Hollywood shops in her neighborhood. Nonna considers it a blessing to have built lifelong friendships and be amongst neighbors that share the same culture.

Nonna moved from Moscow to Los Angeles in 2007. For years, she lived with her adult children. Her family and friends helped guide Nonna in adjusting to her new life, and though she was grateful, she knew she could thrive independently. Determined to take the next step in her life, Nonna sought other options in the West Hollywood area. She was delighted to be among those chosen for Hayworth House in 2012.

Today, Nonna enjoys the balance of her own independence and having a supportive community around her. From previously attending concerts with neighbors to currently receiving supplemental food deliveries to her door, Nonna feels secure through the enriching experiences at her apartment community, brought to life by her Resident Services Coordinator, Alla. In fact, Nonna and Alla have become so close that they even work on the community garden together!

Watch the Kerr Family's live interview here. Under any circumstances, raising a family is a challenge. Add the element of living in motels and shelters, and those struggles can make having a comfortable life become nearly impossible. Prior to moving into a WHCHC affordable apartment community in Glendale, the Kerr family had a rough journey. M. Kerr, a Marine Corps veteran, met his wife Bonnie at a pet shop in 1995. “I thought she was very beautiful, and once I found out she was hearing impaired, I really didn’t care,” M. shared. She gave me a card with the ABCs of sign language and I learned it in one day. We’ve been together ever since, married for 16 years.”

​After the children were born, the Kerrs moved in with family, but after a sudden change in circumstances, they were on their own. “We became homeless, but not quite,” M. explained. “We were staying at a motel downtown. We paid $900 a month, and every 27 days we had to move out for 2 days so that we didn’t establish residency so that they didn’t have to evict you if you didn’t pay the rent.” M. continued to explain how after paying rent for years in the motel they were staying at, it was hard to find an apartment as their credit score dropped—every time the Kerrs applied for an apartment, the fees they were charged caused their score to drop. “We didn’t know that--you have to learn things the hard way sometimes,” M. sighed. “But we never gave up hope.”

The Kerrs began asking different agencies for help. “One of them told us we had to move out of the motel and into a shelter to be accommodated, so we moved into a shelter for two months,” M. explained. “Living at the shelter was hard. We celebrated a birthday there, M. soon got a good job as a carpenter while at the shelter, but though he was making money, their credit was still low. To make matters worse, they were informed that there was a person in the area who was restricted from being around children. “That really made me antsy because I had to go to work every day and leave my wife and two kids at the shelter,” M. expressed. “Then she would take them to school in the morning, sit in the park until they got out of school and pick me up late at work in the car.”​

Finally, the Kerrs heard life-changing news: they were eligible for a WHCHC apartment. “We are very blessed to be here. The building is maintained immaculately. They always make sure if something’s broken it’s fixed immediately. People are friendly, they are very sweet to Bonnie, and always bring food over to her,” M expressed happiness upon his early years in their new home at Orange Grove Apartments.

Fast forward to present day, about a decade later, and the Kerrs are so happy that the opportunity for them to live in an affordable apartment years ago gave them a new life, and a bright future for their two wonderful boys. The Kerrs went from homeless, to stable, to thriving. Today, longtime residents of Orange Grove, The Kerr Family, happily thrive at Orange Grove, where the stability of housing and critical support services have allowed for their success. Along the way, they saw others who gave up, but they were determined to keep going and it paid off. “We never stopped believing it was going to get better. After living here a while, people start realizing you’re going to pay your bills. It’s nice. We’re happy. We’re very happy, and very thankful to West Hollywood Community Housing Corporation.”

Both brothers, Michael and Joshua, are now third generation marines—serving just like their father and grandfather did. Michael is now engaged after being honorably discharged and Joshua is at Camp Pendleton. The family is very happy with their lives, family dynamics, and home. “This building has a lot of diverse ethnicities. And that, for my kids, is the most important thing for me to teach them, that the world isn’t made up of one race--it’s made up of many diverse cultures, religious backgrounds, upbringings,” M. explained. “They see that here. My family is diverse. My sister-in-law is Filipino; my cousin is El Salvadorian; we have Mexican and Puerto Rican relatives, and Bonnie’s father is French Canadian, and her grandmother was Irish. That’s how the world should be, and you don’t find that everywhere. In other neighborhoods, you would have to worry about not being part of the majority race, and people picking on you because of that, but here you can just be who you are.” 

RSC Cheryl reflected on the first time WHCHC wrote about the Kerr family; the boys were in grade school and all four of them had just moved into Glen Grove, via Glendale’s homeless families program. “I’m so happy that they are happy, healthy, and doing well.”

Blue Hibiscus resident, Anthony, is a native Californian. For a young gay man, West Hollywood is a safe haven. During those years, and many more to come, he volunteered as a peer support counselor at Being Alive, a wellness focused organization for people living with HIV/AIDS. Eventually, Anthony needed a change and moved out to Ventura for a while, still maintaining his local connections and volunteerism.

But Anthony realized as an aging gay man, he would feel more comfortable living in a more LGBT-positive community. He kept his eyes open for affordable opportunities and applied where he could. As someone who was once nearly homeless he has a deep appreciation for affordable housing - which he has today at Blue Hibiscus. “Stable housing is so important,” says Anthony. “It really brings me peace of mind.”

Anthony was particularly excited about Seeds of Hope, a partner agency who brings free, fresh produce to residents and has created edible gardens at a number of WHCHC apartment communities. As the pandemic hit and activities at the buildings were paused, he knew that he needed to do something to help curtail his own isolation and look for an opportunity for creative expression. Using the garden as an outlet, Anthony collaborated with neighbors and Seeds of Hope me so much joy in a time of stress and uncertainty,” he said.

Pamela worked as a behavioral therapist at the LAUSD for 18 years. When her business unexpectedly closed and COVID hit, she found herself unemployed in her mid-sixties while still taking care of her daughter. Pamela lived with her mother for six years commuting from Palmdale with her daughter. She thought it would be temporary, however underestimated how much had changed for housing costs. During this time, Pamela and her daughter were able to stay with family and friends for short periods of time. In order to keep herself and her daughter safe, Pamela nearly depleted her 401K paying for hotel stays in between.

Fortunately, her best friend helped her apply for affordable housing and so she applied to as many sites as she could. When Pamela received the call that she was picked for an apartment at Berendo Sage, she could not believe it. It wasn’t until she met with the property manager, Yosselin, that Pamela thought this could be the real deal. There was a delay in her paperwork from Social Security and Pamela was almost declined housing. It was Yosselin, who assured management that she was getting the necessary paperwork. “I’ll never forget her for going to bat for me,” Pamela said holding back tears. “She, said that she prayed for me and that means so much,” Pamela said nodding.

Housing stability gives Pamela and her daughter a safe place to sleep at night, a place to call home. After years of uncertainty Pamela can finally rest. “Never give up and always know that there’s going to be light at the end of the tunnel even though it might look dark right now,” she said her eyes shining. “I have peace of mind, being able to rest in my own apartment,” Pamela added. “I can finally take it easy and that has been a huge blessing,” she said with a smile.  

Ericka and her three children (18, 6, 2) excitedly moved into Berendo Sage in Los Angeles in January. Newly single, Ericka loves having the extra space for her kids and being able to decorate her new home her way. With her new independence Ericka is looking forward to the future. After pausing in 2020, she plans to continue studying early childhood development. She is also looking forward to events held through resident services to socialize with her neighbors and the educational activities available for her children. "Being here is helping me regain myself again," Ericka said with a big smile.

A longtime member of the greater Los Angeles workforce, Shontique struggled to afford her own housing. Like so many she was in and out of transitional homes and staying on sofas with family and friends. “It doesn’t matter what kind of job you have,” she told us, “housing should be affordable for everyone.”

When the property manager called to say that her number was selected in the lottery, everything changed. “It has been a very long journey for me. It has been tiresome, but all of that feels worthwhile now. I am home,” Shontique declared proudly.

In addition to a stronger path to economic mobility, housing stability has given Shontique the freedom to enjoy cooking in her own kitchen and being able to plan for her future. She and her three adopted kittens are loving their new home. As the first person to move into Mariposa Lily, Shontique felt it was a sign, “I really feel like God was on my side.”

Watch Angelo's live interview here. Angelo is a native New Yorker who spent years living in the area; working as an actor and performing gigs including The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Disneyland. Afraid of being priced of his community as rents started getting higher and higher, he knew it was time to take his next step forward. That’s when he moved into The Courtyard at La Brea, and he has lived there for nearly seven years. “The universe sent me what I needed. It sent me the rent I needed. And the beautiful apartment. It feels like my sanctuary,” Angelo said.

Angelo starts every day with a yoga practice right in the comfort of his apartment. He learned techniques from a yoga program he attended in his apartment community, organized by WHCHC resident services coordinator, Julio. This is one of the many reasons that Angelo feels thankful to be where he is. “Thank god for the West Hollywood Community Housing Corporation. That’s seriously all I have to say,” Angelo said, expressing how he feels safe, supported, and happy. “I look out on my patio and thank the universe.”

Kyu Soon has enjoyed the freedom of independent living since 2016 when she moved into Vermont Manzanita in Los Angeles. Prior to living here she was living with her son and daughter in law. Taking advantage of programs and services WHCHC offers, Kyu Soon can now live on her own. "I surprised my son when I told him that I went to the bank by myself," she said with a broad smile. Kyu Soon is happy that everything is close by and accessible from her home.

Resident Services has also been of great assistance to her life in Vermont Manzanita. "Our Resident Services Coordinator is most kind," Kyu Soon emphasized. She noted that their RSC has taken time to offer more after school activities for the children living in the building. These activities have given the children productive, positive hobbies and projects. In addition Kyu Soon has received grocery services for food security as well as gift cards for holidays.

While the pandemic has affected everyone in different ways, Kyu Soon found her own personal solace during the height of the lockdown. She felt sadness for her church members who were stuck in solitude and so she started handwriting letters to keep in touch. “Sometimes words that are written say things that are difficult for you to say out loud,” Kyu Soon said pensively.  She found that writing these letters not only helped to keep connected to her friends, but also opened up a different way to communicate words that would often go unspoken. “Writing helps us know each other better,“ Kyu Soon said with a nod. “Afterwards I find that the relationship is better,” she said with a smile.

As a current frontline staff, working directly with community members at the LA LGBT Center, Sage has a personal connection with experiencing homelessness. During her teens Sage didn’t have many options when it became unsafe for her to stay in her home. After a few years ‘couch surfing’ she was connected with the LA LGBT Center. In three years she moved through multiple shelter programs which prepared her transition into apartment living. “I’m very grateful to never have slept on the streets,” she said sincerely. It was through her case worker that Sage was able to apply for Transition Age Youth (TAY) housing voucher at the Courtyard at La Brea. After 3 years of shelter living Sage finally had a home, “I manifested living here after working very diligently,” she added with a huge smile, “When I first moved in I was like WOW this is mine!”

Now a five year resident, Sage loves the security she feels in her home in West Hollywood. “I can walk outside after 9pm and feel safe,” said Sage with a nod. Having a property manager living on site gives Sage added security. She also loves the array of resident services available to her. Connecting to resources from everything from rental assistance, to reviewing her resume and community breakfasts, she is in regular contact with her Resident Service Coordinator. She added, “I feel so fortunate for where I live, the proximity to my job is essential, groceries are within walking distance, doctors and the dentist are just a bus ride away.”

Sage is forging forward as she continues to be an advocate for transition age youth and other young adults experiencing homelessness. “Even if I feel I can’t be an advocate for myself every day, I find the ability to do it because other people can’t do it. They’re not in the same position that I am, they can’t speak up for themselves. I need to speak on their behalf, not only for them but for my future self as well.” As a member of the consumer advisory board to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Sage travels to Washington DC frequently as a youth representative from Los Angeles. In the future Sage would like to move into a different part of West Hollywood and advance her career pursuing politics full time. “I just love how the young people who I know from the LA LGBT Center are living at the Courtyard and Blue Hibiscus and no one has gone back to the shelter,” said Sage. She added sincerely, “WHCHC gave me the opportunity to continue life where life needed to be continued.”

Watch the Juarez/Robledo Family’s full interview here.

“When I first got the keys to my place, I still couldn’t believe it,” Jacqueline said her eyes big and bright. Even the first night she moved into Vermont Manzanita Jacqueline didn’t let her kids sleep there yet because she wanted to setup their new home. Previously, Jacqueline and her family were living with her grandmother sleeping on the floor in a single room ‘six deep’ she said nodding as she remembered. Jacqueline’s four children are now able to sleep in their own rooms, which she is very grateful for. “We’re stronger than ever as a family,” Jacqueline said with a big smile. Resident Services has also offered programs for her family including Robotics as well as STOKED a skateboarding youth empowerment program. “It’s given us an opportunity to shine, an opportunity to move up in life in so many different ways just by providing stability,” Jacqueline said.

"Berendo Sage is a life saver for me!" Rochelle exclaimed with a big smile. After spending too much time in a shelter, Rochelle said, "I wake up happy and kiss my apartment every day!" As residents adjust to their new lives at Berendo Sage in Los Angeles, Rochelle has quickly taken a leadership role as both a cheerleader and supporter to other residents. In the future Rochelle wants to be a counselor for people who experienced homelessness. "This was a blessing to me and I want to be a blessing to this place," she said smiling ear to ear. 

With the stability of housing, Tina has a new lease on life.

“My whole goal for 2022 is breaking cycles,” Tina declared proudly from the comfort of Vermont Manzanita’s cozy community room. As her two children laughed and played, she shared her story. Tina and her family of four moved into Vermont Manzanita in November 2021 after enduring the uncertainties and frustrations associated with securing affordable housing. “I took action and was able to move us in.”

Tina is a stay at home Mom to Julian (7 years old) and Gabriel (2 years old) while her partner works full time. Her days are busy, filled with lots of activities, and she truly appreciates the comfort of their new home. “I love this place. It has all your basic needs and the rent is low,” she said. Tina has taken full advantage of the myriad resident services available to the family. A few of the programs that they have engaged in include FEAST’s 16-week healthy living program, the Karsh Center’s fresh produce delivery, Metro LA’s – Neighborhood Leadership Group, and STOKED – a mentorship and empowerment program for youth. When asked how she felt about her Resident Services Coordinator, all she could say was, “Amazing, amazing…AMAZING!” Tina also added, “She empowered me to advocate for my son on my own. She gave me the contacts and I was able to explain our situation and provide my son more opportunities.” By embracing these possibilities Tina feels she has changed her family’s entire trajectory.

“I’m proud of who I’m becoming now,” Tina said with a smile. “I’m manifesting nothing but great things for myself and for everyone around me.”

Raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Jonathan moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams of working in the entertainment industry. He fell on hard times for about three years, becoming homeless and spending months in a local shelter. “I was left in the dark, and I didn’t know where to look.”

Thankfully, Jonathan recently landed right back on his feet when he moved into Rampart Mint. Having just settled into his brand new apartment in mid-November, he is thrilled to have a space to call his own. “I’m getting used to having my own space again. I’m getting used to calling this home.”

Having grown up in foster care, it means a lot to Jonathan to show people that they can achieve their dreams. “I wanted to show people that you can do it: You can transform your life. It’s best if you just allow it, and you put your best foot forward.” With Jonathan settled in to his very own apartment, he’s ready to continue following his passions of making music. “I have my liberty back.”

Gregor was one of the first residents to sign their lease and move in to the Courtyard at La Brea. He describes receiving the call that changed his life, “I couldn’t believe it, it’s more than luck. It’s more than winning the lottery, it is winning the lottery of life. I was able to start new again.”

Gregor had been an executive in the music industry when an unforeseen life crisis occurred. Like far too many, things spiraled and he found himself in depression and eventually experienced homelessness while living out of his car. Gregor describes moving into his new apartment as beyond just a place to live. He now had a place to call home physically, psychologically and emotionally, with “WHCHC and the LA LGBT Center as my anchors.”

During his decade living at the Courtyard at La Brea, Gregor has taken full advantage of all the resources provided through the resident services team. He is truly thankful for his good fortune and has deep compassion for anyone experiencing homelessness. He volunteers at food pantries and homeless shelters. Housing stability has allowed Gregor to succeed as he completed a semester with straight A’s at Los Angeles City College studying anthropology, Spanish, public speaking and art. “Being part of the community is the best part, it feels like you have support, it’s like a family,” Gregor said with a big smile.

Carmen and Lucero are an inspiration. The sisters are proof that stable housing, paired with critical support services, changes lives for the better.

Carmen and Lucero share a unique family dynamic: They’re identical twin sisters, they are each the mother of one child, and both their families live at Vermont Manzanita. Prior to living at a WHCHC apartment community, the sisters grew up in foster care. Once they came of age and had children of their own, they began the transitional housing program designated for former foster youth (transition age youth).

Ready for a beneficial change, Carmen and Lucero moved into Vermont Manzanita with their children. About a year later, both sisters began graduate school at University of Southern California, where they would later graduate with Masters Degrees in Urban Planning and Social Work!

“Affordable housing has truly transformed my life. Not only my life, but my entire family and generations to come”, said Carmen. “It’s given me stability. As someone who grew up moving around, it’s been really, really nice.”

Born in Russia, Marat arrived in West Hollywood in April 1996 and has called the city home ever since. Marat got his start as a plumber technician, until he began working as a city bus driver for 15 years. Today, Marat happily lives at Hayworth House, the WHCHC apartment community he has called home since 2015. “It’s perfect. I lived in three other places, before living in a WHCHC building, and this one is the best one,” Marat began. “I like it. No problems, a nice community, and RSC Alla is a very nice person."

For three years, LA native Jessica was living out of her car with her boyfriend, Brandon. The couple became homeless when they fell into financial troubles and had to leave their apartment in East Hollywood. Eventually, they saved up enough money for a new place, but their poor credit scores affected their options.

It wasn’t until Jessica received a WHCHC email newsletter that their luck changed—Elden Elms’ application process was open and she was quick to apply. They anxiously awaited the news; eager to become one of the lucky ones to win the lottery. Unbeknownst to them, there were over 2,700 applications received for the 93 units.

Soon enough, Jessica and Brandon were calling Elden Elms home! “It’s been fantastic, we moved in on April 10,” Jessica exclaimed. "I never lived in a brand new building. We have a balcony and a priceless view of downtown LA!”

Clara grew up in Beaumont, Texas and has been a woman of independent means her whole life. Diagnosed with polio at age three, Clara underwent surgeries every summer of her childhood. Even still, she thrived on her own eventually living in a two-story Victorian house in the Los Angeles area for fifteen years.

Until one day in 1999, Clara’s life came to a screeching halt. She was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome and her day-to-day life became nearly unmanageable. It reached a point where she couldn’t climb the stairs of her home on her own. “I was actually crawling up and down the stairs,” Clara expressed. “I was paying a neighbor to take my power wheelchair apart, carry it downstairs and put it together again each time I needed to go out.”

Clara’s physical condition was failing, and she needed extra help. She began seeking programs and resources that could change her life for the better. After a two-year search for an accessible ground-floor apartment she could afford, Clara found her chance at life again: In Fall 2004, she was contacted about an opening at Havenhurst Apartments. Clara quickly got her paperwork together and sent in her application. The rest is history, and Clara has called Havenhurst home ever since. She even remembers the day when she was handed her set of keys to her apartment… with tears in her eyes. “I decided to leave the past behind,” Clara recalled, smiling ear to ear. “I can attain my goals and dreams to keep working longer and healthier.”

With the stability of housing, Clara now lives a full and productive life regardless of her challenges.

WHCHC has many fascinating residents among our population, Felice is one of them. Currently living at Hayworth House in West Hollywood, the author was born and raised in New York where he attended art school. However, five years after graduation every job he had was in writing, which subsequently launched his career. His impressive body of work includes novels, short stories, memoirs, poetry and screenplays. After several years on the waiting list, Felice received the phone call that he was selected for a unit.

In 1995 Felice continued his writing career on the West Coast. After aging out as adjunct professor at Antioch LA Felice was offered the opportunity to teach writing workshops at the LA public library. "I never taught a class before but I thought, sure I'll try it," he said with a laugh. His fiction writing workshop had 25-35 people in attendance so there was definitely an interest and need for it.

"Living at Hayworth House is really great - it's a diverse population and it's really quite pleasant," Felice said with a smile. During the pandemic, while it was difficult to socialize, there was still a strong sense of community at Hayworth House. "People really helped each other which is truly wonderful," Felice said remembering. As we come out of the pandemic Felice noted, "Our resident service coordinator has a great spirit which makes a big difference."

With each key comes a story, and Esther’s story comes with a smile. Her enthusiasm shined through as she expressed her favorite part of her home at Westmore Linden: “Everything!” she said. “I like the interior, I like the new floors, I like the beautiful balcony. Everything!”

Esther went from housing insecurity to housing stability at Westmore Linden. She was relieved to say goodbye to a previous apartment building where she faced a filthy living environment, short notice rent increases, and multiple car break-ins. Esther, a retired senior, knew she needed a place that suited her better. And that’s when she greeted her new apartment community, Westmore Linden, with her one-of-a-kind smile. “I love you guys!”, Esther cheered, as she remembered this life changing moment. Key in hand, smile on her face, Esther was ready for her next chapter in a comfortable and beautiful living space.

Jeanie, Esther’s daughter, shared the positive impact of Esther’s move to Westmore Linden. “I have lived with my mother for 10+ years,” Jeanie began. “Comparing the old previous apartment to Westmore Linden, I can say that my mother is overly happy. Pretty much I don’t think there are words to how I can compare [Westmore Linden] and the old place.” The rest is history. With a brand new key in her hand, Esther felt right at home very quickly. “Everybody is kind. Very kind. Thank you very much!” Welcome home, Esther!

Itzel knew it was imperative for her family’s safety to start anew. She and her children were living in dangerous circumstances. They even slept in the hallway of their previous building to avoid danger in their own living space. Itzel has lived in Southern California her entire life—born in San Diego, Itzel moved to the LA area at a young age and she lived all around Los Angeles before moving into Elden Elms.

“When I found out we were going to live at Elden Elms, I burst out crying. The area we came from is so dangerous. Our building was shot at. First we began sleeping in our living room for safety. When they shot at my living room window, we started sleeping in the hallways to avoid windows,” Itzel explained. “The shooting happened in November. And we moved out of that building as soon as I signed my lease at Elden Elms.”

Today, Itzel and her four children have been living happily, healthily, and safely at Elden Elms. “I used to pass by this building every day and try to manifest my family living there. Now, I have the view… It’s just everything I wanted. It’s everything you could imagine, plus extra!”

Itzel is so happy that what she’d dreamed of for such a long time became a reality. “People like me, who are single mothers, it gives us hope. I just kept telling myself, ‘I’m a hard worker. I deserve to live somewhere better’. And now I live somewhere better. And it’s thanks to you guys! I appreciate you guys! I can’t explain my gratitude to be one of the lucky ones.”