In an ambitious move towards addressing the critical need for supportive housing, Wellnest Emotional Health & Wellness (Wellnest) was recently announced as a recipient of the Homekey NOFA Award from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). This award is part of the $156.4 million in Homekey awards allocated in the latest funding round aimed at combating homelessness and housing insecurity across the state of California.
Wellnest will work in collaboration with Los Angeles County to develop The Nest on Exposition, a groundbreaking modular construction project designed to provide 24 interim housing units for young individuals experiencing homelessness. This initiative will not only offer a safe haven for vulnerable youth, but also reflects the organization’s commitment to fostering a healthier community by addressing fundamental needs such as housing.
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Charlene Dimas-Peinado, CEO and president of Wellnest expressed her gratitude and vision for the project, stating: “The Homekey award is a monumental milestone in our ongoing mission to nurture hope and provide sanctuary.
“Our collaborative effort with L.A. County to build The Nest on Exposition is more than just a housing project; it is a commitment to healing and empowerment. Every wall we erect and every door we open represents a stable foundation for our youth. It represents a place where they find shelter and also find the emotional support necessary to thrive.”
Governor Gavin Newsom’s Round 3 of Homekey, with a total budget of $736 million, underscores California’s innovative approach in rapidly expanding housing availability for at-risk populations. Amidst the pandemic’s challenges, this program has evolved from the Project Roomkey initiative.
This award to Wellnest will contribute significantly to the state’s total of 14,040 homes funded across three rounds of Homekey, a testament to the program’s scale and success. Approximately $400 million remains for disbursement in the current funding cycle, with HCD continuing to evaluate applications and distribute awards until the funds are fully allocated.
“It has been greatly rewarding to see the growth and impact of Homekey on California’s most vulnerable residents,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “To me, the 14,000 homes funded through Homekey represent more than just buildings. They represent real people exiting homelessness more quickly, and the opportunity for housing stability to greatly improve their quality of life.”
According to a spokeperson, “The Nest on Exposition project is set to be a beacon of progress, demonstrating the effective collaboration between public entities and dedicated organizations like Wellnest. This synergy is pivotal in constructing not only buildings but also robust communities where every individual has the opportunity to lead a dignified and fulfilling life.”
For more information on Wellnest and their initiatives, visit www.wellnestla.org.
