Building Home, Community, and Connection This Spring at VCH

At Venice Community Housing, creating affordable housing means more than providing a roof overhead; it means helping people build stability, belonging, and opportunity. This month, we’ve seen that mission come to life in so many meaningful ways, from welcoming new residents home, to volunteers showing up for our communities, to creative programs that bring neighbors together. Here are a few highlights from across our properties this spring.

A New Chapter Begins at Lincoln

We’re excited to share wonderful momentum at VCH’s Lincoln Apartments, where three vacancies were recently filled in one week. Welcoming new residents home is always a meaningful milestone, and each move-in represents a fresh start and an important step toward long-term stability.

This progress reflects strong coordination across our team and a shared commitment to helping residents feel supported throughout the transition. We’re especially grateful for the work of our MSW intern Wynter and Property Manager Marissa, who helped guide new residents through the move-in process. From paperwork and logistics to helping residents feel comfortable in their new space, these moments of care can make all the difference during a major life change.

One of our new residents, Francesca, shared that she has experienced homelessness since the age of 16. Moving into this home marks a profound milestone: her very first apartment of her own. After years of housing instability, having a place to call home represents safety, independence, and the chance to begin building a new future.

Stories like Francesca’s remind us why this work matters so deeply. Housing is more than shelter; it is dignity, stability, and the foundation for everything that comes next.

We’re proud to welcome these new residents and celebrate the beginning of this next chapter.

Brentwood Presbyterian Church Serves During National Volunteer Month

April is National Volunteer Month, and it offers a meaningful opportunity to recognize the many community partners who help support our residents throughout the year. We’re grateful for the individuals and groups who step in to lend their time and energy when opportunities arise, helping us provide additional care and support for residents across our communities.

This past weekend, volunteers from Brentwood Presbyterian Church joined us to assemble and deliver food pantry bags for residents across our communities. Their support helped us quickly prepare and distribute essential groceries, ensuring residents had access to fresh food and pantry staples heading into the week.

For many households, especially families balancing rising costs and limited resources, this kind of support can ease immediate stress and provide much-needed stability. Something as simple as a stocked pantry can create breathing room and peace of mind.

Volunteer efforts like these do more than meet practical needs — they remind residents that they are supported by a broader community that cares. That sense of connection is a powerful part of building healthy, thriving neighborhoods.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Brentwood Presbyterian Church and to all the volunteers who show up for our residents in big and small ways. If you or your group are interested in getting involved, we’d love to hear from you as we continue creating more opportunities for community engagement.

Art with Art at Gateway Apartments

Earlier this month, residents at Gateway Apartments gathered on the rooftop for an afternoon of creativity, fresh air, and connection during a painting workshop led by our Services Coordinator, Art. With brushes in hand and nature as inspiration, residents spent time painting together in a relaxed and welcoming environment that encouraged both self-expression and community building.

Programs like these are an important part of resident services because they create space for people to connect outside of day-to-day responsibilities and stress. Creative activities offer a chance to slow down, reflect, and engage in something joyful and restorative.

For many residents, opportunities like this can support emotional well-being in meaningful ways. Art can be a tool for stress relief, confidence-building, and personal expression, especially when shared in a supportive group setting. Just as importantly, it helps neighbors get to know one another and strengthens the sense of belonging that turns housing into community.

At VCH, we know that stable housing and supportive services go hand in hand. Creating opportunities for residents to gather, create, and build relationships helps foster healthier, more connected communities.

We’re grateful to Art for continuing to bring thoughtful, resident-centered programming to life across our properties and for helping make spaces like Gateway feel even more like home.