Housing & Economic Development

CRCD develops permanent supportive housing with on-site services for transition-age youth (age 18-25) who are homeless or at tremendous risk of becoming homeless, as well as affordable housing for other low-income residents in South Los Angeles. South Los Angeles has 1,700 homeless transition-age youth every year, based on figures from the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority’s 2007 Homeless Count.

Current Housing Projects in Development

CRCD and its collaborative partners have $46 million of real estate development projects in the pipeline – a total of 114 units -- which are scheduled for completion in the next 3 years:

• 36th Street Apartments – This 11-unit project will provide permanent supportive housing for low-income transition-age youth who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, such as former foster youth. CRCD’s development partner is the nonprofit Little Tokyo Service Center.

• Broadway Apartments – This 16-unit project will provide permanent supportive housing for low-income transition-age youth who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, such as former foster youth, and other low-income households. CRCD’s development partner is Little Tokyo Service Center.

• Epworth Apartments –This 19-unit project will provide permanent supportive housing for low-income transition-age youth age who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, such as former foster youth. Our development partners are Little Tokyo Service Center and United Methodist Church (landowner).

• Figueroa Apartments – This 19-unit project will provide permanent supportive housing for low-income adults with special needs. Our development partners are Little Tokyo Service Center and the South Central Health and Rehab Program (SCHARP). This is a turn-key project which will be owned by SCHARP.

• Historic 28th Street YMCA – This 49-unit project will provide permanent supportive housing for low-income transition-age youth and other low-income households. The ground floor will be renovated for program and community space, including the gymnasium. Our development partner is the nonprofit Clifford Beers Housing.

CRCD and its collaborative partners will provide on-site supportive services for transition-age youth to promote a successful transition to adulthood. Supportive services will focus on independent living skills and economic self-sufficiency. CRCD is actively searching for additional sites to develop housing for low-income residents in South Los Angeles.

Central Avenue Business Assistance
CRCD works with local businesses and civic leaders to promote economic growth along the historic Central Avenue jazz corridor in the Vernon-Central neighborhood of South Los Angeles as follows:

Central Avenue Business Association
CRCD is working with 70 local businesses to develop and strengthen the 2.5-year old Central Avenue Business Association (CABA) along historic Central Avenue. CABA’s target area has an estimated 300 businesses and stretches three miles along Central Avenue from Washington Boulevard to Slauson Avenue in a City-designated Redevelopment Project Area. CABA’s goals are business retention, attraction, and growth. CABA has a Leadership Council with elected officers.

Since 2007, CRCD has dedicated a staff person – the Business Liaison – to do grassroots outreach and relationship-building with Central Avenue merchants. In that time, CABA has grown from 0 to 70 members. CRCD’s Business Liaison helps to coordinate CABA’s activities and monthly meetings. At monthly meetings, guest speakers address topics such as neighborhood crime trends, street lighting, streetscape improvements, and upcoming development projects affecting the Avenue.

The business association effort was started by the Central Avenue Collaborative, including Ms. Vivian Bowers of Bowers & Sons Cleaners, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry, the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Police Department, the City Attorney’s Office, Community Development Technologies Center, and CRCD.

Small Business Resource Expo
With support from CRCD, the Central Avenue Business Association hosts the annual Small Business Resource Expo. At the Expo, more than 50 business owners, entrepreneurs, and vendors typically come together at the LA Mart for a great networking opportunity plus information on financial institutions, business services, and public resources for business improvement.

Access to City Resources for Small Businesses
CRCD provides technical assistance on how to access City resources such as the CD9 Commercial Façade Program offered by the Community Redevelopment Agency. This program provides financial assistance with exterior restoration, rehabilitation, or replacement of storefronts, signs, and general repair.

Small Business Workshops
CRCD is helping to coordinate a series of Business Administration classes for CABA members and local businesses. Topics include: Accounting (Inventory, Bank Accounts), How to Write a Business Plan, and Marketing/Promotion.

How To Reach Us
Please call Grant Sunoo, Housing Project Manager, or Johnny Andrade, Business Liaison with any questions at (213) 743-6193.