logoVenice Community Housing
Monthly Newsletter


The full scoop on our people, programs & progress!
Volume 3 Issue 6               
June 2013
In This Issue
Faces of VCH
Wish List
Victory Against OPDs
Tenant Summer Picnics
Science Club Volunteer
Study Lounge Reception
Recent Grants
Mark Your Calendar
Mission Statement

The mission of Venice Community Housing is to preserve the economic, racial and social diversity of Venice and the surrounding area by maximizing affordable housing and economic development opportunities and providing needed social services to the area's low-income population.  
Fast Fact

From 2011 to 2012 homelessness 
decreased nationwide by 0.4%, with significant decreases in homelessness among chronically homeless individuals (down 6.8%) and veterans (down 7.2%).  

 

The National Alliance to End Homelessness states: "The ongoing and increased development of permanent supportive housing ... is bringing down chronic and veteran homelessness numbers in communities across the country. Emphasis needs to be placed on creating more affordable housing and strengthening the safety net to prevent homelessness."

 

NAEH's April 2013 research report on homelessness in the United States can be accessed here.

Faces of Venice  
Community Housing  
 
Iisha Jones
 
Resident Manager Navy Apartments

                  
I joined VCH as Resident Manager of the Navy Apartments this April, with 11 prior years' experience in property management.

In addition to my responsibilities as Resident Manager, I also assist the Housing and Maintenance departments with managing their workflow and documentation.

I love being a resident manager because I get to watch families grow over time, and I have developed many close friendships with prior tenants. I appreciate my role even more at VCH because I know that we are providing an incredible need - a roof over someone's head.

I am also a certified pastry chef - I love to bake! - and I'm a very active person. I love softball and playing pool, and I often coach or volunteer with my children's sports teams.
Wish List     


From linens to laptops, Venice Community Housing is always seeking donations for our residents and programs. Please visit our online wish list to see if you can meet any of our current needs!
 
Quick Links

 


Dear Friends, 

Recent events have reminded us of the true strength that lies in numbers.

For the third time since 2009, a host of Venitians came together to preserve free parking at Venice Beach. Committed advocates against Overnight Parking Districts spent countless hours reaching out to others in the community over the past month, and dozens traveled down to Long Beach last week to testify at the June 13th meeting of the California Coastal Commission. From young professionals to 40-year residents of Venice, their united opposition to OPDs helped preserve The People's Beach!

Read on for more details and updates! 
Coastal Commission votes unanimously against OPDs in Venice
 
Venice Community Housing and its allies rallied against the City of Los Angeles' proposal to establish overnight parking districts (OPDs) in Venice, and last Thursday they were victorious.

On June 13th the California Coastal Commission heard hours of testimony - including presentations by VCH Executive Director Steve Clare and Board Member Mindy Meyer -  regarding the proposal before voting unanimously against it.

VCH and other community members were concerned by the impacts of OPDs would have on Venice: costing residents money without guaranteeing them parking, forcing unhoused people out of the community they call home, and further limiting the amount of parking available to Venice Beach visitors.    

 

Many Commissioners noted that the City had not completed a comprehensive study of the affects that establishing OPDs in Venice would have - a study that was recommended to the City back in 2010.  

 

Many thanks to everyone whose presence and testimony helped ensure that  Venice Beach remains The People's Beach!

A video of the June 13th California Coastal Commission meeting is available on Cal-Span's web site. Click here for a link! 
Resident Services hosts tenant picnics
 
What better way to celebrate summer than with a picnic?

Resident Services, with the support of Randy Brooks, our Board of Directors' tenant representative, hosted two picnics for our tenants in Venice and Mar Vista on June 8th and June 15th. The picnics served as an opportunity for tenants to mix and mingle with their neighbors as well as interact with VCH staff. Festivities also included food, music, face-painting and games.

"The events were a great success, and everyone had a great time," said Brooks. "Thanks to the Resident Services Department for their hard work and dedication!"

 
Local newspaper features VCH's Westside Science Club founder, Ben Dickow
 
The Argonaut recently published an article on longtime VCH volunteer, Ben Dickow, and his commitment to bringing learning opportunities to low-income youth on the Westside.

Ben, a museum consultant experienced in after-school science education, helped VCH launch the Westside Science Club  in 2008 with the vision of bringing hands-on, learner-directed science education to low-income youth in Venice.

Westside Science Club meets every other Saturday at our Tabor Courts property, and it has become an integral part of our After School Programs.

We are profoundly grateful for Ben's continued investment in Venice youth and his extraordinary leadership in the community!

 

Click here to read The Argonaut's full article! 

   
After School Programs concludes 2012-2013 school year with cake & punch reception
 
School's out!!
Study Lounge Site Coordinator, Kathy Sanchez (right) presents certificates of achievement to Study Lounge participants. 

After School Programs celebrated the completion the 2012-2013 school year with its Study Lounge participants and recognized individual participants for their achievements over the academic year, including academic gains and excellent attendance.

Young ladies from Study Lounge celebrate the end of the school year with well-deserved slices of cake! 
 
VCH receives two major grants to support operations and professional development

The Green Foundation has awarded Venice Community Housing $30,000 in general operating support! We are thrilled that the Foundation will continue to partner with us for a second year in a row.

Enterprise Community Partners has also generously awarded VCH $25,000 to support the professional development of our Resident Services staff as they continue to expand the services provided to tenants and low-income Venice residents.  
Mark Your Calendar!
 
After School Programs Summer Camp

Weekdays, June 24th - August 22nd, 1-5 p.m. Washington Courts: 12525 Washington Place, 90066

   


A free summer program for children ages 6-12, offering academic enrichment and recreation activities in the Venice area.

A completed application, CST scores and most recent report card are required.

To apply, contact After School Programs Site Coordinator, Chela Vallejo: (310) 584-7647 or [email protected].


YouthBuild Graduation Ceremony 
Friday June 28th, 4 p.m.
Hotel MdR by Doubletree
13480 Maxella Ave.
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Participants in Venice YouthBuild's 11th cycle will celebrate a year of academic, professional and personal achievement.

To attend please RSVP with Marisol Perez by June 21st: (310) 573-8415 or [email protected].

Jazz at Palms Court 

Sunday September 15th
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
743 Palms Blvd., Venice

Join us for our 21st annual jazz brunch fundraiser, featuring jazz quartet House of Games!

Since 1990
Drawing on a variety of styles, House of Games features Brad Rabuchin on guitar, Scott Hiltzik on piano, Chris Colangelo on bass, and Dave Tull on drums.
House of Games has been thrilling audiences with its distinctive blend of jazz, fusion, and original compositions.

Ticketing information to come this summer. Visit www.vchcorp.org/jazz for the latest updates!

For individual and corporate sponsorship opportunities contact Development Director Myrna Pappas:
(310) 573-8407 or [email protected]
Until next month, 

 

 

VCH 
Venice Community Housing
720 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291
P: (310) 399-4100
F: (310) 399-1130