SRO Housing Corporation Newsletter Autumn 2013 (Gateway Apartments)

7/27/2019 SRO Housing Corporation Newsletter Autumn 2013 (Gateway Apartments)

1/6

SRO Housing Corporation is preparing to open the doors oftheGateways Apartments, our newest construction.The building occupies a formerly vacant 22,000 square-footlot at the intersection of 5 th and San Pedro Streets in down-

town Los Angeles in the heart of Skid Row and will provide108 brand new studio apartments for homeless and verylow-income individuals, many of whom have special needs.Many dignitaries, community stakeholders, and local media

are slated to attend.

With this newest residential complex, SRO Housing Corporation has developed 29 housing projects in downtown Los Angeles,

all of which are located in Skid Row. The Gateways Apartments is a LEED Certified building designed by Dvoretzky, Bardovi,

Bunnell Architects. The furnished apartment homes feature full-size bathrooms and kitchens equipped with Energy Star

appliances; on-site resident manager, case management services, laundry, secure subterranean parking, bicycle parking,

community room, multipurpose room with computer stations, a game room and rooftop decks. We are proud of the profound

and lasting difference this building will have. The Gateways Apartments... the gateway to a new beginning!

SRO Housing Corporation is dedicated to building a vibrant community for homeless and low-income individuals. We pursue our mission of community

revitalization by providing clean, safe and affordable housing; managing public spaces; and administering needed supportive services.

Autumn Edition September 2013

I N T H I S I S S U E :

G A T E W A Y S A P A R T M E N T S

O P E N S T H E I R D O O R S

1 0 8 B R A N D N E W U N I T S

O F P E R M A N E N T

S U P P O R T I V E H O U S I N G

1

S P O T L I G H T O N S T A F F :

P R O U D L E A D E R S H I P

M O R E T H A N A S U R V I V O R

2

R E M A R K A B L E R E S I D E N T S

3

S A V E T H E D A T E

4

S T A F F M I L E S T O N E S5

G a t e w ay s O p e n s D o o r s . . .

Our House

A B O U T S R O H O U S I N G C O R P O R A T I O N

SRO Housing Corporations vision of a thriving urban community of hope andopportunity extends to all aspects of our work. We are committed to restoring asense of dignity, civility, and respect to a population that has been habituallyignored and forgotten. We provide the full continuum of housing (Emergency,

Transitional, and Permanent Supportive) with a wide array of supportiveservices including food services, case management, money management,

transportation, employment services, socialization/recreational activities, com-munity events, art workshops, information and referrals, and more.

SRO Housing Corporation was founded in 1984 as a non-profit organizationdedicated to building a vibrant community for homeless and very low-incomeindividuals in the Central City East (Skid Row) area of downtown Los Angeles. Everything we do is focused upon creating solutions to the areas dire housing

conditions. The Skid Row area is home to one of the largest populations of

transient (homeless) persons in the entire United States in a 50-block area

bordered by 3rd and 7th Streets, and Main and Alameda Streets, in downtown

Los Angeles. It is one of the most impoverished neighborhoods in the WesternUnited States. Skid Row residents, whether homeless or housed, are often

poor, elderly, disabled, mentally ill, addicted to drugs/alcohol, chronically ill,and/or unemployed.


2/6

SRO Housing Corporations Director of Social Services,

Ervin R. Munro, M.S., was honored as one of four co-founders and the original Acting Executive Director of

AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), at their 30th anniver-

sary in Hollywood in June. His long history of sensitive

service to communities in crisis embraces every pro-

gram and every staff member he oversees.

Ervin traded in the snows of Milwaukee, Wisconsin for

sunny Southern California when he came here to help

staff the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and has been

running the show for local non-profit organizations ever

since. At SRO Housing Corporation, Ervin supervises 60staff and conducts trainings and tours. We are proud

to have him on our team!

P R O U D O F O U R

L E A D E R S H I P

M O R E T H A N A S U R V I V O R

Virginia Reed, M.S.W., is the Program Manager for SROHousing Corporations Permanent Supportive HousingPrograms.Her hard-won wisdom and personal insight serve the community

where she lives and works.

It has not been easy.

Virginia has conquered decades of debilitating panic disorder, bouts of severe depression, two abu-

sive and life-threatening marriages, addiction to alcohol and drugs, and the shame and loneliness of

living on the streets. She worked to conquer additional challenges to receive a series of degrees with

highest academic honors, was the Valedictorian of her class and received numerous awards. She

graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, then went on to earn her Mas-

ters Degree in Social Work, also Summa Cum Laude.

She did all of this as a resident at SRO Housing Corporation in the heart of Skid Row.

Instead of escaping from Skid Row with her education and her accolades, Ginger put her life

experience to work and decided to stay. I put down roots here, says Virginia.

My goal was always to come back here with the specialized skills needed for thepeople we serve and deserve.

read this and other success stories online at

srohousing.org

When I thought of

myself as a survivor,

it also meant

I was a victim

of drugs, alcohol,

domestic violence,

homelessness, cancer.

But I am no longer a

victim, and I am

no longer ashamed.

I am not a survivor...

I am a conqueror.

Page 2S P O T L I G H T O N S T A F F
http://www.srohousing.org/profiles-achievementhttp://www.srohousing.org/profiles-achievementhttp://www.srohousing.org/profiles-achievement


3/6

Unemployed and homeless, Melvin Crutchfield, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, enrolled in SRO

Housing Corporations Avenues to Work Program in August 2012 and entered our EmergencyHousing Program at the Panama Hotel to receive the support he needed to better his situation.

Although his life spiraled into homelessness, he was not willing to give up. He found employmentat Wal-Mart in December of 2012 and continues to work full-time there. Mr. Crutchfield has been

generous in his praise of the program that helped him find a job and housing, including the Mens

Advancement Project (MAP) at St. Vincent de Pauls Cardinal Manning Center where he now lives.

He continues to stop by the Avenues to Work Program to share a smile and to encourage others

who are in the program.

The Avenues to Work Program is an educational, economic development and employment pro-gram that prepares homeless individuals to re-enter the workforce.

The 90-Day Program includes Pre-employment Training Courses with academic skills training,meals, one-on-one mentoring, job training workshops, in-class instruction and practical work ex-

perience with an emphasis on employment skills. Employers benefit from trained, motivated em-

ployees and receive valuable tax benefits.

Contact Avenues to Work Program to learn more about the benefits of our program.

(2 1 3 ) 5 7 2 - 0 4 3 2

R E S I D E N T S & E M P L O Y E R S W I N W I T H

A V E N U E S T O W O R K

S R O H O U S I N G R E S I D E N T O N H I V C O M M I S S I O N

County Commission on HIV,

Latinos/as with HIV/AIDS now

outnumber every other popula-

tion locally.

Muoz application to serve

on the Commission was encour-

aged by SRO Housing staff who

recognized his initiative and

assisted him with the comple-

tion of the application.

In fact, it was Muoz singular

focus on making our neighbors

lives better, and a foray into

filmmaking that brought him to

the attention of the Los Angeles

County Commission on HIV. His

vision to make a series of short

films on HIV for the Latino com-

munity began with a Bienestar

Cine Club and led to his work on

Relacines Saluables (HealthyRelationships), a series of short

films in Spanish with

English subtitles. After completing

two of six planned short films, he

approached the Commission for

funding. I had no experience, nobudget, I learned to work with actors,

to edit, and to create. His creative

drive has kept him busy.

At SRO Housing Corporation, Muoz

teaches Spanish language and

Tai Chi classes at the Rivers Apart-

ments.

For people with compromisedi m m u n e s y s t e m s , t h o s ewith HIV, Hep C, or diabetes,Tai Chi can be an important partof wellness, says Muoz, a residentof the Rivers Apartments, that was

developed and is managed by

S R O H o u s i n g C o r p o r a t i o n .Muoz is also an active participant in

our Mosaic and Art Workshops. I amalways working to make lives better!

Jos Muoz attended theinaugural meeting of the newly

authorized Commission on HIV

and the Prevention Planning

Committee (PPC) in July as a

consumer representing Los

Angeles County Supervisorial

District 1..

It is a small step, says Muoz,I am so grateful. The Commis-sion seeks to fully integrate HIV

and STD prevention, care, and

t r e a t m e n t p l a n n i n g .

According to the Los Angeles

Jos Muoz singular

focus on making

our neighbors lives

better, brought him

to the attention of

the Los Angeles

County Commission

on HIV.

Page 3R E M A R K A B L E R E S I D E N T S

Hard work and

determination pay off

with employment skills

and opportunities for

Avenues to Work

participants.

Employers benefit from

trained, motivated

employees and receive

valuable tax benefits.


4/6

Awards and HonorsSRO Housing Corporation presented Employee-of-the-Quarter Awards at its Annual All StaffPicnic in August. Selected individuals wererecognized by their colleagues for teamwork,attitude, and commitment to excellence in thequality of their work. The award promotes andrecognizes exemplary employees for demonstra-tion of outstanding service beyond their jobexpectations. The Executive Management Teamselects the Employee-of-the-Quarter winners.Each winner receives a beautiful plaque and a$100 American Express Gift Cheque.

B e r n a r dJ o h n s o nAlways

goes the

extra mile.

Bernard, who serves as the Janitor at the South-

ern and the Brownstone is known to always give

100%.He gets to know the residents and is al-

ways willing to share his knowledge of electronic

devices, taking time to explain and help with TV

reception or internet access while keeping

buildings clean and organized.

E r i c aF i t t s isalways

pleasant andfriendly.

Erica is a Case Manager in ourPermanent Supportive Housing Programs andexcels at ensuring our residents get the ser-vices they need. She is creative and able to

find inventive methods to work with residentsand staff to ensure the best possible outcomesfor all involved. She has proven herself as an

effective trainer and leader.

Erica was even the foundation for acomplete turnaround in one very challengingresident who in the past, frequently filed

complaints but has now made it a point toregister compliments about Ericas perform-

ance as a Case Manager.

Residents report ,for the first time ever, they

feel they are getting the services they need,

thanks to Erica.

E M P L O Y E E S O F T H E Q U A R T E R

Q U A R T E R L Y S A F E T Y A W A R D S

SRO Housing Corporation Safety Award winners were selected by the Safety Inspection Team. Awards encourage ownership and accountabil-ity and are based on facility cleanliness and maintenance, emergency preparedness, and appearance of common work areas.

Page 4S TA F F R E C O G N I T I O N S

C r y s a n d r aM o o d yAlways willing to help.

Crysandraplays animportantrole atS R OH o u s i n g Corporation. She is responsible for

processing payroll for nearly 200 staff.

Despite her busy schedule, she isalways willing to help and is recognized

for her positive attitude.

This was particularly helpful as wemoved to our new offices, when shehelped with the packing and unpacking

for the move.

Crysandra often says, Ill help.

1st Place ($100) The La Jolla Team:Asst Manager, Sandra Davis; Manager, WesleyNelson; Janitor, Alice Broom; Facilities Techni-

cian, Eduardo Aguilar; Painter, Charles Brooks

3rd Place ($25) The Southern Team:LaVerne Collins; Bernard Johnson;

James Cienfuegos3rd Place ($25) The Lyndon Team:

Jeffrey Halbrook; Paterno Cabebe;Thryll Sims; Rafael Prewitt

2nd Place ($50) The Yankee Team:Paterno Cabebe; Deborah Martin;

Tommy Reid; Charles Brooks

2nd Place ($50) The Ford Team:Paterno Cabebe; Leroy Bogar;

Charles Brooks; Clyde Augustus


5/6

S AV E T H E D AT E

Page 5

Resident Appreciation Luncheon.

Each October, our staff enjoy

serving our residents.

Veterans Day Luncheon**November 11, 2013

Homeless Memorial**December 20, 2013

All-Staff MeetingOctober 30, 2013

Annual Resident Appreciation Day**October 9, 2013

**Volunteer Opportunities. If your company or organization would like to Volunteer tohelp SRO Housing Corporation celebrate any of these annual activities,

contact us at (213) 229-9640.

SRO Smiles

GATEWAYS APARTMENTS Grand OpeningNovember 7, 2013

Sponsorships with naming opportunities are available tocorporations and individual contributors.

To learn more about how you can support or sponsor this newproject, view a complete giving catalogue online at

www.srohousing.org

Movies on the Nickel. Wendell Blassingame established our Movies on the Nickel.Free movies are screened at SRO Housing Corporations James Wood Community Center

every Saturday. An additional series screens family films with a positive theme on the 2ndSunday of the month and there is also a Sunday chess club at the Community Center.

You can support activities at our James Wood Community Center www.srohousing.org/donate

All-Staff Picnic. SRO Housing Corporation staff gathered in

Elysian Park in August for a day of fun, family and food.
http://www.srohousing.org/http://www.srohousing.org/donatehttp://www.srohousing.org/donatehttp://www.srohousing.org/donatehttp://www.srohousing.org/


6/6

WELCOME AND FAREWELL

A N N I V E R S A R I E S

June

S R O S t a f f ~ L o y a l t y a n d D e d i c a t i o nEverything we do at SRO Housing Corporation is made possible by the outstanding loyaltyand professional dedication of our staff.This months anniversaries are typical. Average length of service of SRO Housing staff

members is currently more than ten years.Together, we share the joys and challenges of serving the people of Skid Row. We arepleased to take this opportunity to gratefully acknowledge the value of each of ourSRO Housing Corporation staff members.

B I R T H D A Y S

SRO Housing Corporation welcomes all staff who joined us in April, May and June 2013.We welcome these dedicated individuals to our SRO Family with a shared commitment to serving our community.

To those who have left, we say good luck and farewell. And to all, we extend our best wishes to you now and in your future endeavors.

Farewell and Best Wishes!I n M e m o r i a mStefanie Ramrez, SROsAvenues to Work Case

Manager, died in a traffic accident in June

2013. Her sudden loss leaves our hearts

very heavy. She is survived by her father,

brothers, sisters, family and friends

including her SRO Housing family.

Welcome!Alex Domnguez

Gregory Johnson

Addie L. Brown

Durian Dunbar

Michael Randle

Adriana Dorado

Page 6M I L E S T O N E S

Maypril

5 yearsMyrna DantesDora Pilcher

10 yearsAlex Lantsman

15 yearsJos Amaral

Kimberly AguillonLeroy BogarVeronica Cervantes

Sandra DavisJohn GillisLeo JonesLeontinae LaytonMario LivasJos Martnez

Rafael PrewittTracie PrudholmRobert Purvis

Mattie RiggsTimothy RiosCielo RuizCarlos SnchezJulia Robinson Shimizu

Quincy Thompson

Trena Rucker

Laverne Collins

Carlos Campos

Ervin Munro

Leroy Bogar

Duke Cooke, Jr.

Jennifer Brown

Cynthia Whaley

Jos Carlos

Blanca Correa

Cindy Ly

Kohnsa Moorehead

Juan Magaa

Lonnie Washington

LaJuan Morris

Jeannette Holston

Leontinae Layton

Rosa Ortiz-Cruz

Malonya Lee

Jardin Cooper

Walter Robinson

Robert Purvis

Jos Amaral

Rafael Prewitt

Telesha Cachimay

Gary DeVera

Noel Alonzo

Daniel Martnez

Karen Grabar

Alex Lantsman

Wesley Nelson

Gladis Munguia

Leo Jones

Crysandra Moody

Vctor Lpez

Dennis Torres

Leonora Moore

Warnetta Richman

George Loftin

Phyllis Moore

Javier Olmos

Omar Cuevas Vega

Jennifer Erwin

James Wilson

Edward Prez

Carlos Snchez

Nathan Patterson

Donna Sampson

T o g e t h e r , w e a r e . . . O p e n i n g D o o r s a n d T r a n s f o r m i n g L i v e s . . .

Documents

SRO Housing Corporation Newsletter Autumn 2013 (Gateway Apartments)