Emma is one of 55 seniors now living at SagePointe, a supportive housing community that recently opened in the Wilmington neighborhood of Los Angeles to serve people who have experienced homelessness.
Emma had not had her own home for about 15 years. When she found out that she could move into an apartment at SagePointe, she couldn’t believe it. “I kept thinking this isn’t real and I kept asking, ‘Are you sure?’ It was so great to get my keys, go to my apartment and get to stay right away. I slept so good that first night.” Emma is excited to have her family visit: “My granddaughter said, ‘Grandma, we need to go to your house and bake a cake.’ I said, ‘We sure do, baby.’”
With funding support from Measure H and the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services/Housing for Health, SagePointe residents receive wraparound services and case management to support them and ensure they thrive. Supportive services include mental and physical health services, employment counseling and job placement, education, substance use counseling, money management, assistance in obtaining and maintaining benefits, and referrals to community-based services and resources.
Supervisor Janice Hahn said, “Homes solve homelessness. And with this new apartment building, we are making sure local seniors who have struggled with homelessness have a roof over their head and the support system they need to stay housed. This is an example of a great partnership between the City and County of Los Angeles.”
“SagePointe eases the struggle for 55 seniors who need stable housing,” said Suny Lay Chang, president and chief operating officer of nonprofit developer Linc Housing. “We know that if we can get people off the streets and out of shelters – and into housing with services, they are empowered to restore their health and wellbeing. We’re already seeing many of our new residents settling in and making plans for their futures.”