A beautiful afternoon in South Los Angeles was made more enjoyable with the opening of Chesterfield Apartments for formerly homeless senior citizens.
Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson spearheaded the renovation of the complex on the corner of 48th Street and Normandie Avenue to contain 42 affordable units complete with furniture, appliances, and in-site supportive services to help newly arrived tenants.
During an open house on Saturday, Sept. 24, Harris-Dawson’s staff joined with city departments, community groups, and nonprofit organizations to celebrate the new facility. Nearly 200 people attended the gathering, which included live entertainment, hot food plates, free clothing, face painting and free bags of groceries courtesy of SoLA Food Co-Op.
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Also significant is that the residents of Chesterfield Apartments were previously among the unhoused living in the surrounding neighborhoods. Under the CD 8 Housing at Home pilot program, which operates in collaboration with Service Planning Area (SPA) 6 and the Coordinated Entry System, homeless seniors were identified who would benefit from high quality, secure homes.
Explaining why he launched the Housing at Home pilot program, Harris-Dawson said, “What motivated me is seeing our folks – Black women old enough to be my grandmother – living on the streets, in alleys, and on railroads tracks. You want to get out there and do something as quickly as possible and this building does that. This building is for seniors that are houseless in this neighborhood, so we’re excited about that.”
The councilmember noted that the Chesterfield Apartments complex fulfills Housing at Home’s mission of promoting the belief that support systems – like families, schools and churches – are key components in reversing the impacts of homelessness. He also described the philosophy as a “humane rather than punitive approach to housing.”
To further aid in successful outcomes for the tenants, St. Joseph Center will staff an office to provide a range of services including educational programs, job training, and mental health referrals. According to Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum, president/CEO of St. Joseph Center, the agency’s goal is “to make sure no one falls through the cracks.”
“We will be providing case management and supportive services to the clients to help them thrive in this environment, making sure they find the grocery stores, the churches, that they’re adjusting well and if anything comes up, we’ll be around to help them,” stressed Adams Kellum.
She also highlighted the fact that Chesterfield Apartments offer permanent housing. People can reside in their units for the reminder of their lives if needed.
“This is exactly what we need to end homelessness in Los Angeles. I’m so proud of the leadership of Councilman Harris-Dawson for really stepping out and stepping up and making sure that people who are vulnerable, particularly older adults, have a place like this to live and continue their lives,” she added.
Frederick Douglas Mohammed was one of the residents at the celebration agreeing with Adams Kellum’s assessment. After living in his van for six years, he now makes his home in Chesterfield Apartments and expressed joy over the new arrangement.
“Certainly, I’m happy now. I cried the first few days, just to be able to put a key in my own door. You want to hug yourself. I appreciate this and give gratitude and praise to the Most Highest. I appreciate the people that worked to get me in here” said Mohammed.
Acknowledging the difficulties he experienced on the streets, Mohammed credited prayer with helping him to stay focused and not give up. For a few years, he even held a maintenance job and none of his workers realized he lived in his van. He frequented nearby fitness centers to take care of his hygiene needs.
“Can’t many people survive these streets because there’s so much out there to attract you from what you should be doing. Basically, you got to focus so you don’t get caught up in the traps out here. Stay strong. I was in my van for some years.
“If you want to make a change in your life, it’s up to you. I decided I’d bring about a change and start participating in available programs,” recalled Mohammed and his participation resulted in securing a unit in Chesterfield Apartments.
In addition to living quarters and supportive service, residents will also receive a few free gifts, thanks to a $20,000 donation from the Empowerment Congress Central Area Neighborhood Council.
Council President Daymond R. Johnson said, “With our $20,000, we are able to provide daily meals to seniors, activities such as yoga and other things for the residents. We all need to be a part of the fight to end homelessness.”
Offering a similar opinion, Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer commented, “This is the way you handle houselessness in Los Angeles. The councilman is doing it right. Not only do you have housing and services, but also you have people with a will to make sure we get people off the street. We need to replicate this all over the city!”
