Stacy Avera, a U.S. Army veteran, loves reading Tom Clancy novels. He is now building his own mini library in his first home after being homeless for seventeen years. When you meet Avera and spend a few moments with him you know right away that living on the streets of San Fernando Valley didn’t break his spirit.
T. Bailey Manor (TBM) apartments by Women Organizing Resources, Knowledge, and Services (WORKS), held its grand opening ceremony today. Avera spoke at the event.
“I can’t put it into words. It’s so overwhelming that now I have a place where I can make my own monthly rent payments and get myself back on track instead of trying to figure out where I’m going to get my next meal. I can now cook in the kitchen and do everything I want to do,” said Avera.
T. Bailey Manor consists of 46 units, including 3 efficiencies, 42 one-bedrooms and 1 two-bedroom manager’s unit. Approximately 65% of the units are set aside for formerly homeless households and come with either Project Based Section 8 vouchers or Los Angeles Country Department of Health Services Flexible Housing Subsidy Payments that allow the tenants to pay only 30% of their income toward rent. The remaining units are set aside for persons with developmental disabilities who earn no more than 40% Area Median Income.
Mayor Eric Garcetti welcomed and congratulated the TBM residents to their home. “To the residents: Welcome Home. We are here to ensure your success, to guarantee that people have a life of dignity and potential, and we all become a healthier city together. I am so touched that you welcomed us to your home today. “
The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) has committed $4 million in Housing Assistance Payments over the next 15 years.
“HACLA has committed nearly 800 Section 8 project-based units for veterans. We intend to work with veterans to provide this type of opportunity to move forward with their lives,” said HACLA President and CEO Douglas Guthrie.
Avera shared his hope for his future now that he has a home. “I just want to live life with a smile on my face without worrying about what I’m going to do day by day. Now I can wake up day by day knowing that I have a place to live, a bed to sleep in.”
Since 2011, HACLA has committed to 772 VASH project-based vouchers valued at $160.2 million in HAP for 21 projects.