Community Corner
Commission Approves Homeless Housing Complex For Sherman Oaks
Though the 4-story project has stirred controversy in the community, Councilman David Ryu said it will save lives and address a major crisis
LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles City Planning Commission Thursday approved a proposal by Mercy Housing California to build a four-story permanent supportive housing complex in Sherman Oaks for homeless seniors.
"Homelessness is the crisis of our time," City Councilman David Ryu said. "Projects like these will save lives, they will give people a brighter future and they will help address homelessness in Sherman Oaks."
The permanent supportive housing, planned for 14534-14536 Burbank Blvd., will include an on-site manager and services for seniors currently living on the street or in their cars. All units will be priced as affordable housing consisting of 55 dwelling units, 17 of which will be for "very low income" households and 37 for "low income" households and one reserved as a manager's unit.
Find out what's happening in Sherman Oaksfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
People who are homeless and 62 years or older will be eligible for the housing.
In 2017, homelessness among Angelenos 62 and older jumped by 22 percent from the year prior, which outpaced other demographics, according to Ryu's office.
Find out what's happening in Sherman Oaksfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"Mercy Housing is grateful to the City Planning Commission for approving our proposal, and we are honored to be working in Sherman Oaks to help bring solutions to the crisis of homelessness," said Doug Shoemaker, president of Mercy Housing California. "Mercy will continue to engage the community as we begin construction, open our doors and provide critical services to this vulnerable population for decades to come."
City News Service
