A new housing complex opened its doors to formerly homeless families with children following the grand opening ceremony in Sun Valley on Monday, March 25.
Sun King Apartments features 12 one-bedroom units, 11 two-bedroom apartments and three three-bedroom units, and has become a home to 25 families with students who attend the Los Angeles Unified School District — a much-needed development as LAUSD faces an increasing number of unhoused students.
“It means a lot to them because it is the source of stability for the families,” said Rick A. Schroeder, president and CEO of Many Mansions, an affordable housing developer in Southern California. “So they were happy, and that made me happy.”
More than 75,000 people are homeless in Los Angeles County. Last year, LAUSD reported that nearly 13,000 students were homeless, a 16% increase from the previous year.
Sun King Apartments, a collaboration between Many Mansions, LAUSD and Housing Work, will offer supportive services, including case management, youth programs and after-school support in addition to the housing.
Schroeder said the total project cost was about $21 million and was funded by several sources, and city, county and federal programs. Families pay 30% of their income toward the rent and the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles pays the rest of the sum.
Designed by Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects firm, the complex is at 9190 N. Telfair Avenue and has welcomed families since December.
“Students experiencing homelessness face a much steeper challenge in pursuing academic achievement because of the additional barriers they must overcome,” said Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho in a statement on Tuesday. “We are steadfast in our resolve to mitigate those challenges, leverage our partnerships and resources to create opportunities like Sun King Apartments and provide critical services to support our students and families.”