VOALA opens affordable housing facilities in Northridge and Woodland Hills

As the housing crisis in Los Angeles continues, Volunteers of America Los Angeles (VOALA) is proud to continue its ongoing partnership with the California Department of Housing and Community Development and City of Los Angeles to provide safe, permanent housing opportunities for individuals in need.

Through this collaborative effort, VOALA recently opened two affordable, permanent housing facilities: The Londie in Northridge, and Elderberry Village in Woodland Hills. Both properties are former motels acquired through the city’s Phase Two: Project Homekey initiative, which strives to offer permanent housing to qualifying individuals. The projects also align with the City’s Inside Safe project, a citywide housing-led strategy to reduce homelessness.

The Londie offers affordable, stable, income-based apartments for Section 8-qualified homeless individuals, and Elderberry Village provides permanent, income-based living for qualified adults age 55 and older. In addition, VOALA helps residents access specialized services to help them achieve a stable life.

“The Londie and Elderberry Village help fill a critical need for cleanliness, stability—and most importantly, affordability when it comes to housing,” said Bob Pratt, VOALA President. “VOALA has been providing services for individuals and families who are homeless throughout

our 125-year history, including through housing programs for more than 78 years.”

According to the 2023 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, there are over 75,000 people who are homeless on a given night—with more than 46,000 in the City of Los Angeles alone.

At its core, VOALA operates with a “Housing First” approach. “We serve people as they are, wherever they are. In addition, clients and residents have access to housing options and additional available VOALA services. We believe that people experiencing homelessness have the right to respect, dignity, and self-determination like everyone else,” he said.

VOALA has been part of the Los Angeles and Orange County communities for over 125 years. We help adults, children, youth, veterans, and seniors find what they need to create a stable life. Our confidential services are available to people in need who may be or are at risk of becoming unhoused.