All types of volunteers pitched in to help with VCH's premier yearly fundraiser.  They set up tables, signed in guests, arranged flowers, poured champagne, placed auction items, prepared and served food and much more.

            The volunteers, old and new, ranged from VCH employees, Board members, YouthBuild students and graduates to Free Storage Venice stalwarts, Palms Court residents, members of the Jazz Committee, neighbors, friends and relatives. The photos show just some of our volunteers at work.

            Thanks to all who participated.  We couldn't have done it without you!

(Photo: Jack Prichett)

(Photo: Jack Prichett)

(Photo: Jack Pritchett)

"Los Angeles has a lower median income than New York or San Francisco but only a small difference in median rents."  

Los Angeles is now the most unaffordable rental market in the country. It is also the metro area with the largest share of renters vs. homeowners: While U.S. rentership has fluctuated around 35%, Los Angeles is at 52%. The studies show severe housing burden among poor renters has existed since 1970, and that during periods of increasing inequality the burden has grown even more severe. Vacancy rates have risen only slightly, even dipping at times when housing burden has increased.  Renters are also paying more for the same quality housing, suggesting that neither market forces nor changing housing quality fully explain the increasing rents.

Together, the data show that the solution to this long-term crisis is to address its root causes - low incomes and high rents - by increasing both renter earnings and affordable housing.