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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.
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Fast Fact
Three easy ways to support Venice Community Housing through... shopping!
1. Shop at Amazon Smile (VCH is a registered charity)
2. Shop at Ralph's? Enroll in Ralph's Community
Contribution Program (VCH is a registered beneficiary)
3. Purchase gift certificates to L.A. restaurants through crowd-funding web site LivnGiv (VCH is one of their selected Causes).
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Faces of VCH
Eva Granier
Case Manager,
Venice YouthBuild
 I joined Venice Community Housing as a Venice YouthBuild case manager in March of this year. On a typical day I meet with students one-on-one to discuss both their strengths and barriers to success in the program and I support other YouthBuild staff members with various projects. I grew up on the East Coast and attended Vassar College, where I developed a passion for social and racial justice. A desire to live somewhere new and a fantastic career opportunity inspired me to move to the Bay Area, where I worked as a re-entry outreach coordinator for the nonprofit Rubicon Programs. I then moved to L.A. to earn my Masters in Social Work from UCLA. I hope to pursue a career of policy and legislative advocacy on the prevention and treatment of youth violence and trauma.
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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. |
Learn about VCH's history and current efforts during a ride-along tour of our properties throughout the Venice area. This unique introduction to VCH is ideal for individuals who are new to the area and/or want to learn more about our agency.
Tours will be held the third Wednesday of every month, or by appointment. To schedule a tour contact Linda Lucks: (310) 526-3857 or llucks@vchcorp.org.
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Dear Friends,
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Steve Clare and POWER Exec. Director, Bill Przylucki at the May 17th POWER Awards Luncheon
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On Saturday Venice Community Housing was presented with the 2014 Community Partnership Award by People Organized for Westside Renewal (POWER). "Your commitment to providing low-income people in Venice and Westside LA with safe, decent, affordable housing, and the wrap-around services needed to raise peoples' overall quality of life has brought us closer to realizing the Human Right to Housing for all people," POWER wrote in a statement before the event. We are honored to have our work recognized by POWER, and we know that supporters and stakeholders like you have been vital to our ability to serve low-income people for over 25 years. With partners like you, we look forward to continuing to make Venice and the surrounding area a safer, stronger, more vibrant community for all to enjoy. Below you'll read about recent and upcoming examples of individuals and organizations who are developing creative ways to support VCH's mission. Enjoy!
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Third annual Art of Giving gala raises $30,000 in support of VCH's Transitional Living Center
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Dana and Eric Newman speak to guests at the Art of Giving gala at ShogShoppe on May 3rd.
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On May 3rd Board Member Dana Newman and her husband, Eric Newman, hosted the third annual Art of Giving gala benefiting Venice Community Housing.
 The event raised over $30,000 to support our Transitional Living Center (TLC), which provides homeless women and their children with housing and supportive services while they work towards economic stability and permanent housing.
Dana and Eric hosted this year's event at The SmogShoppe in Culver City. The event featured catering by Celestino Drago and a standout performance by singer-songwriter, composer and pianist Randy Newman.
We thank The Newman Family for the love and energy they invested in this event, and we are deeply grateful for their continued support!
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Board Member wins officer position on Venice Neighborhood Council
The Venice Neighborhood Council held its annual elections on Sunday May 18th.
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Board Member Sylvia Aroth will serve as Venice Neighborhood Council's Outreach Officer
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Among the winners was Board Member Sylvia Aroth, who will serve as the Council's Outreach Officer.
We congratulate all the winners and applaud them for their service to their community, and we thank everyone who lives and works in Venice that came out and voted!
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After School Programs Updates
 Study Lounge to celebrate end of 2013-2014 school year
Elementary- and middle-school students in our Study Lounge program will be able to celebrate the fruits of their labor this year at an upcoming cake and punch reception hosted by our After School Programs staff.  The reception will be a chance for students and their families to celebrate all the hard work they have put into their studies and positive behaviors over the course of the school year. Summer Camp begins July 1st! 
After School Programs' Summer Camp is a free program for children ages 6-12, offering academic enrichment and recreation activities in the Venice area.
The program will be held at VCH's Washington Courts property on weekdays from 1-5 p.m., from July 1 - August 1.
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 chela@vchcorp.org.
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VCH partner Brooks + Scarpa receives National Design Award for Architecture
On May 1st the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum announced the winners of its 15th annual National Design Awards. Angela Brooks and Lawrence Scarpa of the Los Angeles-based firm Brooks + Scarpa were honored with the award for Architecture Design for the high level of excellence, innovation and public impact of their body of work, which has included a number of affordable housing projects. VCH is currently partnering with Brooks + Scarpa to design our recently-acquired 15th property into affordable housing.  | |
National Design Award winner Brooks + Scarpa designed Broadway Housing - 41 units of affordable family housing - for Community Corporation of Santa Monica in 2007.
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VOLUNTEER NEWS
Venice photographers capture YouthBuild spirit
Thanks to two Venice volunteers, YouthBuild students received personal head shots last month for their own use. Professional photographer Melba Levick, assisted by Sherrie Scheer, set up an outdoor studio at VCH in April and took photos of YouthBuild students and staff. Received with great delight, the portraits reveal the exuberance, pride, confidence and optimism of young people about to start their life's journey. See below.  | |
Portrait of a YouthBuild student (Photo by Melba Levick)
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Click here to see more. YouthBuild mural featured at Venice Art Block Venice artist and writer, Francisco Letelier, proudly exhibited the mural VCH's YouthBuild students planned and painted under his guidance in April. He volunteered to teach a 2-session work shop at his studio guiding students to brainstorm, grid and execute the work on canvas. The "portable mural" of Wanda Coleman, Los Angeles blues woman and Venice poet, was featured at Letelier's studio at the Art Block Opening Party on May 2 and all day at the Venice Art Block on May 4, 2014.  | |
Francisco Letelier shows Venice Art Block visitors the YouthBuild mural of Wanda Coleman. (Photo by Jack Prichett)
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If you are interested in volunteering at VCH, contact Volunteer Coordinator Barbara Milliken at bmilliken@vchcorp.org.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
The Brig Presents: Crawfest
Sunday May 25th
11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
1515 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice
Enjoy drinks and all-you-can-eat crawfish - proceeds support Venice Community Housing! Advance tickets are $35 through May 21st, $45 through the day of the event. Online tickets available HERE. Monday, June 23rd 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Feed, 1239 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice Dine or drink at FEED on June 23rd and 10% of your check will be donated to VCH!
Venice YouthBuild Art Show
Friday, June 13th5 - 8 p.m.
The Focus Studio, 4 Rose Avenue, Venice Venice YouthBuild students present their third annual art exhibition and fundraiser.  2014 Jazz at Palms Court FundraiserSunday, September 14th
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
743 Palms Blvd., Venice
 Save the date for VCH's 22nd annual Jazz at Palms Court champagne brunch and silent auction! More information, including sponsorship opportunities, is available at www.vchcorp.org/jazz.
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Venice Community Housing
720 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291
P: (310) 399-4100
F: (310) 399-1130
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