This week, Councilmember Krekorian opened the first "A Bridge Home" transitional shelter for the homeless in the San Fernando Valley. He was joined by Mayor Eric Garcetti, along with "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek and his wife Jean (who made a generous donation in support of the shelter), in cutting the ribbon. The beautiful new 15,000-square foot facility in North Hollywood will provide transitional shelter for 85 people who are currently living unhoused in the neighborhood. It has separate sections for men and women, a community room with computer workstations, and a dog run. Through careful planning and smart construction, this site is also the least expensive shelter of its kind, per bed, in the entire city.
The shelter will be operated by Hope of the Valley, which also played a critical role in securing and developing the site. Through its founders, Ken and Laurie Craft, and its dedicated staff and volunteers, Hope of the Valley has been one of the most successful homeless service providers in the Valley. Hope of the Valley works miracles every day in meeting the immediate needs of unhoused people through compassionate and hope-inspiring crisis intervention, while helping them bridge into long-term services that address chronic obstacles.
Next month, Councilmember Krekorian will open a second Bridge Home site with another 100 beds, this time in Van Nuys. That shelter will also be operated by Hope of the Valley, as is the Valley's first Homeless Services Navigation Center, which Councilmember Krekorian opened in February.
View the ABC7 News video of the grand opening event here.