The Venice Community Housing Corporation (VCHC) recently received $1.3 million from the Housing Urban Development (HUD) to provide low-income housing to 19 people in Venice who are homeless and suffer from mental illness or other disabilities.

The participants will have to pay thirty percent of their incomes in rent, and the rest will be covered by the HUD through their Shelter Plus Care program. The rent-subsidies will cover the 19 participants for five years, during which time case managers from St. Joseph’s Center will assist them with medical and mental health services.

“The building is a block away from the beach, which will make it easier for the participants to adjust to being housed by allowing them to remain in their familiar surroundings and within their support systems,” said Kristen Laskaris, development director of VCHC.

The building will be ready for move-in January 2011. Meanwhile, solar panels are being installed to increase energy efficiency and the entire building is retrofitted to allow for disabled accessibility.

– Greta Cobar