During the pandemic, Los Angeles County scrapped plans for a new parking lot for Men’s Central Jail in downtown LA and instead repurposed 60 shipping containers to create interim housing for people experiencing homelessness who were at risk of serious illness if infected by COVID-19.
Three years later, the innovatively designed Hilda L. Solis Care First Village, operated by LA County’s contracted service provider, Weingart Center, has so far sheltered more than 800 people, many of whom have moved on to their own apartment.
The 60,500 square-foot three-story project, which also includes 20 custom-manufactured mobile trailers, was completed in just five months and officially opened in May 2021. Similar projects typically take two to three years before being ready for occupancy.
Unlike traditional shelters, each of the 232 units provides residents with their own room, including a private bath. The property also includes a dog park and green space.
Supervisor Hilda Solis with current and former residents of her namesake Care First Village in downtown Los Angeles.