HOPE Continues to Help Increase Independence and Prevent Homelessness in Pasadena Thanks to our Community Partners
HOPE homes in Pasadena is possible with Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center, City and foundation support.
“COVID made me feel scared and uncertain. I did not know what would happen,” said HOPE resident Maria during a phone interview. She reflected on her relationship with her boyfriend Dominique, who is a resident too. Before moving into their HOPE home on Worcester Avenue, Maria lived with her family in Los Angeles while Dominique was living in a group home just two blocks down the street. They worked at the local day program together and could only see each other during work. They constantly communicated whenever they could. “Eventually, our workplace closed down. It was tough. We decided to move in together and live in Pasadena to spend time together whenever we wanted. The only other options would put us at risk of homelessness,” said Dominique.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic with Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center (FDLRC), HOPE repurposed two buildings with nine units in Long Beach and Pasadena to house residents affected. Pablo Ibanez, Director of Community Services at FDLRC, says: "This partnership with HOPE allows us to focus on our clients' needs entirely." Maria and Dominique were both clients of FDLRC.
Currently, HOPE works exclusively with individuals who are clients of their local Regional Center, a network of nonprofit organizations that provide support services to Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). FDLRC is a private, nonprofit corporation that operates under contract with California’s Department of Developmental Services (DDS). FDLRC serves over 9,000 individuals with developmental disabilities and is one of 21 regional centers in California that serves in multiple geographic areas, including Pasadena. They work with HOPE to provide quality services and support for individuals to live independently and ultimately prevent homelessness for those most at-risk in society.
Gian posing by HOPE on Summit in Pasadena.
Like Maria and Dominique, individuals most at-risk of homelessness certainly have goals to live independently in a stable housing situation, and HOPE is proud to provide that. Maria practices cooking meals in their kitchen while Dominique regularly cleans the house. Now that it is just the two of them, Dominique no longer shares a bathroom with six people like he did in the group home, so he can practice being more independent.
HOPE received other referrals from FDLRC and worked diligently to help residents in need of housing. Gian moved into his first independent home on Summit Avenue in Pasadena as a young working adult after living in his family’s home. He communicated his need for housing with his service coordinator at FDLRC. Together, HOPE worked with Gian and his service coordinator to secure the best housing situation that would meet his needs and allow him to be more independent while working towards his future.
Other HOPE residents referred to us are now living in Pasadena after already experiencing homelessness. Erica, Steven, and Essie previously lived together in a group home. In group homes, they had no control over their finances or living space. Group homes provide an invaluable service to individuals who do not have a stable living situation that helps them manage their lives better. However, group living situations can have limited options and choices depending on how the group home operates. Individuals who live in group homes may have limited ability to make choices and decisions about certain aspects of their lives. Erica, Steven, and Essie wanted to control their finances, make decisions about their living spaces, set their schedules, and have total control over their lives. They ended up moving out but became homeless shortly after and started living between multiple hotels across South Los Angeles while searching for stable housing.
Erica and Steven now live in their HOPE home on Summit Avenue. Meanwhile, Essie lives in the other unit on Worcester Avenue. After moving into their HOPE homes, they felt happy and grateful. They have access to their kitchens and can plan and cook healthy meals for themselves. They control their finances with support from supported living staff, set their schedules, and enjoy a shared living space. They are ultimately experiencing housing security for the first time.
When people with I/DD have a place of their own, it can increase their independence and self-reliance. They can live where and with whom they choose. HOPE also helps to mitigate homelessness by creating the housing options necessary to meet the unique abilities and needs of people with I/DD.
“As the need for more housing options increases, so does our Regional Center’s ability to better serve those in most need of our services. We look forward to working with HOPE in partnership for many years to come.”
HOPE is thankful to have community partners across Pasadena who have helped us preserve affordable housing options for residents who enjoy living there. Funding supported by various foundation grants helped complete renovations across our portfolio so that residents can lead healthy, stable, independent, and productive lives in their own homes. Funding partners for our Pasadena homes include Cathay Bank, Preferred Bank, Pasadena Community Foundation, and our long-time supporters at the Rose Hills Foundation. Rose Hills Foundation provided a substantial grant to support the acquisition and renovation of Worcester Avenue. We are excited to build more long-lasting partnerships in Pasadena so that its residents can continue to thrive.
“I still can’t believe I am here now, safe and living in my own home! Being the independent person that I always wanted to be, after experiencing a pandemic”, said Maria. We want to give a sincere thank you to the many organizations that help us support people I/DD in our community. We consider ourselves extremely lucky to have such wonderful organizations, businesses and individuals that partner with us to help our residents improve quality of life and prevent homelessness.
Help HOPE continue increasing independence for people with I/DD in Pasadena by contributing to this vital work today at http://www.hope-homes.org/ways-to-give/donate.