On Oct. 31, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) presented a $1,840,000 check to Mayor Karen Bass and the City of Los Angeles, marking a critical investment in combating homelessness.
This funding, part of a larger $12.4 million in federal support for community projects across the district, is dedicated to essential renovations at The Prentice, a 46-unit permanent supportive housing site in downtown Los Angeles. Through these improvements, The Prentice will offer safer, healthier, and more dignified living conditions for its residents, many of whom have previously experienced homelessness.
As Mayor Bass celebrated this success alongside the recent Dodgers World Series win, she emphasized, “Here is another win. A win, and an example of what happens when you collaborate to confront the issue of homelessness. I am proud to stand here with our congresswoman, my dear friend, to celebrate this much-needed support.”
For Kamlager-Dove, securing these funds is not just about infrastructure—it’s about dignity, stability, and community partnership.
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“The goal is to create a safer, healthier environment for residents, many of whom have spent years without stable housing. I’m honored to work alongside Mayor Bass to ensure that Los Angeles secures every possible resource to address the housing affordability crisis,” she stated, underscoring her commitment to continue advocating for federal support in housing.
Anita Nelson, CEO of SRO Housing Corporation, which manages The Prentice, shared her gratitude for the funding, highlighting the profound impact these improvements will have on residents’ lives.
“We are thrilled to receive this funding to enhance the health and safety of our residents. This opportunity allows us to provide upgrades such as a new roof, lighting, plumbing, and air conditioning,” Nelson explained.
“This project is about ensuring that our residents have safe, dignified housing with the stability they deserve.”
A key component of permanent supportive housing, as Nelson elaborated to the Sentinel, is the flexibility it offers residents to stay in single-room occupancy (SRO) settings if they wish. Unlike transitional housing, SRO housing like The Prentice allows residents who are low-income to live with dignity and independence. For some, this means a steppingstone toward more independent living spaces; for others, it’s a permanent home.
Nelson clarified, “If they want to stay at The Prentice, they can. Many of our residents move from an SRO to a studio apartment or a one-bedroom, and often qualify for programs that ensure their rent remains affordable, typically 30% of their income.”
This funding will not only upgrade physical spaces, but also support the social services embedded within The Prentice. SRO Housing offers comprehensive on-site support, including case management, employment assistance, and connections to additional resources, facilitated by their partnership with organizations like the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD).
As part of the commitment to provide holistic support, SRO Housing staff bring essential services directly to the building, educating residents on rental assistance, employment opportunities, and other supportive resources.
One of the project’s goals is to streamline access to these services, addressing concerns raised by residents and service providers about the need for more knowledgeable system navigation.
“We provide a supportive services calendar and bring in community services so that residents know where to access resources like employment and rental assistance,” explained a representative of SRO Housing’s director of supportive services.
LAHD Executive Officer Tricia Keane echoed appreciation for this collaboration, noting that the project exemplifies the power of partnerships in preserving affordable housing and supporting the city’s most vulnerable residents. With upgrades such as ADA-compliant entryways, improved security, and remodeled community kitchens, The Prentice is poised to offer a space that uplifts and sustains its residents’ well-being.
