Permanent Supportive Housing Through New Modular and Prefabrication Construction - Rancho Los Amigos Interim Housing

The economic pressures of the pandemic not only increased housing insecurity in numerous communities, but also presented significant dangers to the unhoused. While historically at risk, PEH have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. They are less able to reduce their risk of infection through simple practices available to the larger community, due to difficulties accessing running water for hand washing, maintaining social distancing, procuring protective gear, etc. In May 2022, the County reported over 18,500 cumulative cases of COVID-19 among PEH. After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of deaths among PEH in LA County increased from 1,271 deaths in the year leading up to the pandemic (March 31, 2019-April 1, 2020) to 1,988 deaths during the first year of the pandemic (April 1, 2020-March 31, 2021). While COVID-19 became the third leading cause of death during this increase – increases in overdoses, homicide, congenital heart disease, and traffic injury deaths were also observed – the pandemic likely exacerbated stressors already present in the lives of PEH, leading to increases in other causes of death. This project converts Rancho Los Amigos Building 601/602 at the Rancho Los Amigos North Campus to an 80-bed interim housing facility for people experiencing homelessness (PEH). Seventy-five percent of the targeted population will be clients with mobility issues or other physical disabilities who do not have a place to reside upon discharge from the Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center. This collaboration between the County’s Asset Management Branch and Department of Health Services (DHS) will serve some of the most vulnerable residents of Los Angeles County. Located in Supervisorial District 4, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center focuses on treating patients recovering from severe illnesses and/or lengthy stays in intensive care units. As such, the facility has played a pivotal role in helping Angelenos recover from the long-term effects of COVID-19. The district plans for this interim housing to be a temporary facility, for up to a three-year period, thereby addressing the strain on the existing interim housing supply created by the spike in homelessness stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The concrete structure of approximately 15,000 square feet will be converted to accessible dormitories with 80 beds (a 60/40 split of male/female beds), living space, laundry room, kitchen, various ancillary rooms, fenced courtyard, and administration/program support space to provide full wraparound services for residents. ARP funding helps to address a funding shortfall of $1.4M resulting from rising construction costs.