Lilly’s Place Gives Families Support in Pico Union
Today, The Salvation Army opened Lilly’s Place, a new facility aimed at taking in homeless families in the Downtown Los Angeles/Pico Union area. After months of planning, The Salvation Army is taking over a 3 story, 7 bedroom home that will be able to host approximately 10 families. Captain Ernesto Lozano of The Salvation Army East Los Angeles Temple Corps was on hand today to lead the blessing of the new building, which will be a third facility serving the area, forming a supportive network with Alegria and Zahn Emergency Shelter.
The Salvation Army agreed to oversee the services and management of the facility through the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, which was searching for an organization with experience in working with the local homeless population. Prior to its conversion into a Salvation Army program, the homeowners used it to serve homeless people for 30 years, before reaching out to DHS to continue the work.
“It’s been in the works for the last 6 months” said Program Director Ana Aguirre. “We’re excited and nervous and can't wait to get to work.”
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services will be referring clients to Lilly’s Place immediately, with the first families expected to arrive on Tuesday.