Los Angeles, CA: July 15, 2022—Wellnest, L.A.’s leading emotional health and wellness organization serving children, youth, and families, celebrated the grand opening on Friday, July 8, of The Nest on Florence—David & Susan Hirsch Building, its first permanent supportive housing project for young adults at risk for chronic homelessness.
The Nest on Florence, located at 410 E. Florence Ave. in Los Angeles, will help vulnerable young adults ages 18-25 “forge new pathways to long-term independence,” said Charlene Dimas-Peinado, President and CEO of Wellnest. “These young men and women are resilient, courageous and filled with promise. We are pleased to be part of their journey.”
The 5-story, 40,848-square foot David & Susan Hirsch Building, named in honor of two sustaining donors, features 51 units. The unique development also provides a supportive network of on-site services from Wellnest, designed to serve young adults – many with very young children – who are at risk for or have experienced homelessness, may be aging out of the foster care system with challenges that may inhibit their ability to maintain stable housing.
City of Los Angeles Councilmember Curren D. Price, Jr. added, “making sure that Transition Age Youth who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness have a safe and stable place to put down roots will help guarantee them a brighter tomorrow and build stronger communities. With the opening of The Nest on Florence, this vulnerable population will have the opportunity to do just that, while also being given the chance to focus on their goals, purpose, and passions.”
“The Nest on Florence will be an important place where young people will not only find a safe home, but also the support they need to achieve lifelong stability and success,” said City of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “We should all be very proud that our HHH dollars contributed to building this beautiful space where residents can start adulthood with Wellnest’s holistic support, which includes access to therapy, education and career counseling, and social connection, to develop important life skills.”
“Housing is key to ending the homelessness crisis which is why I applaud Wellnest for being part of the solution by developing permanent supportive housing for young people who are at risk of experiencing homelessness. I am proud to welcome The Nest to the Second District where it will serve our South LA community.” – Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Holly J. Mitchell, representing the Second Supervisorial District.
The Nest on Florence has been designed to provide a sense of community where residents can access health and wellbeing support and life skills training, as well as education and employment assistance.
About Wellnest
For nearly 100 years, Wellnest has provided innovative, research-informed, nationally acclaimed mental health services for children and youth in Greater Los Angeles. Originally founded as part of a nationwide initiative to create access to comprehensive mental health services for children, Wellnest has emerged as a leader in pioneering innovative solutions to meet emerging communities’ wellness needs. Today, Wellnest serves over 4,000 children and youth, ages birth to 25, and their families, each year.