California Construction News staff writer
The Prentice permanent supportive housing site in Los Angeles’ Skid Row will receive $3 million in federal funding to support critical renovations aimed at improving the living conditions for residents who have experienced homelessness.
The Prentice, a historic building constructed in 1914, offers 44 single-room occupancy (SRO) units and two staff units. The building, which provides a vital lifeline for those transitioning out of homelessness, features shared bathrooms, a community kitchen, and other common areas. But after more than a century of use, the building requires major upgrades to continue providing safe and healthy living conditions for its residents.
The newly secured federal funds will cover a variety of improvements to the facility, including replacing light and plumbing fixtures, replacing the roof, and ensuring accessibility throughout the building. The security system will also be upgraded, and the community kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry rooms will be renovated. Fresh paint will be applied to the interior walls, and the storefront will undergo a remodel to enhance the building’s overall functionality and appearance.
“These renovations are essential for providing a safe and comfortable environment for our residents, many of whom are rebuilding their lives after experiencing homelessness,” said Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who secured the funding. “Strengthening our existing supportive housing is just as important as building new affordable housing, and I’m proud to support efforts to make our current housing stock more livable and secure for those who need it most.”
The Prentice is one of many permanent supportive housing sites in Los Angeles that combine affordable housing with services to help residents transition out of homelessness. These sites not only provide a roof over residents’ heads but also offer access to healthcare, social services, and job training programs to help individuals rebuild their lives.
The renovation project aligns with Los Angeles’ ongoing efforts to address the housing crisis by improving existing supportive housing infrastructure. Upgrades like these are critical to ensuring that homeless individuals have access to safe, stable housing while receiving the necessary services to support their long-term success.
Key renovations at The Prentice will begin later this year, with construction planned in phases to minimize disruption to residents. Once completed, the upgrades will improve the living environment for all residents and enhance the building’s overall functionality as a supportive housing facility.
