VCH staff members Becky Dennison and Dawn Hicks accepting the AIALA award

On Thursday, October 28, Venice Community Housing (VCH) was recognized at the 2021 American Institute of Architects Los Angeles (AIALA) awards ceremony. The organization was honored as one of 15 Presidential Honorees, a group comprised of architects, firms, buildings, and individuals “who have made the most significant contributions to the urban landscape of the region and to architecture as a profession.” VCH received the Merry Norris Design Advocate Award.

VCH was uplifted for its commitment to creating inclusive neighborhoods where everyone can flourish. Since the organization’s founding in 1988, staff have been dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of unhoused and low-income community members and honoring Venice’s history as a diverse and creative city. As homelessness rates rise across Los Angeles, VCH remains focused on ensuring that vulnerable neighbors are stably housed and supported.

Currently, staff are working on the development of several new affordable properties that will make a significant impact on the Westside and beyond. The Rose Apartments, located at 720 Rose Avenue in Venice, will be ready for tenants to move in by January, providing 34 units of much-needed housing for formerly unhoused households. Half of the units will be reserved for those who have experienced chronic homelessness, and the other half will be for transitional age youth (ages 16-24). VCH’s architecture partners at Rose are Brooks+Scarpa, who are also local Venice residents and affordable housing advocates.

Residents at Rose Apartments will have access to a plethora of services. A property manager will live on site, and VCH’s resident services team will help move tenants in and ensure they feel supported during this transition and beyond. Drive down Rose Avenue to watch the construction progress, and follow VCH on social media for updates about move-in and a groundbreaking ceremony!

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