Finding Purpose Through Community: Meet Roy

When Roy talks about his life, one thing becomes clear: he’s always been resilient.

Before coming to Venice Community Housing (VCH), Roy spent years working for himself, running small business ventures and navigating life’s challenges. After experiencing homelessness, he knew he needed a different path and a place where he could focus on stability and rebuilding his future.

That path eventually led him to VCH.

“I came here so I could get my head together,” Roy says. “I needed a fresh start.”

Today, Roy has become a familiar face in his building. While he once focused on building businesses, he now spends much of his time helping others find opportunities and encouraging neighbors to take advantage of the resources around them.

“If there’s a meeting, a class, or an activity, I tell people to go,” he says. “You’ve got to elevate yourself.”

Roy believes community is built through participation. Whether it’s a movie night, resident meeting, cooking class, or other building activities, he sees these opportunities as more than events. They’re chances for people to learn new skills, access resources, and stay connected to what is happening around them.

One of the things Roy values most is the sense of community at the property. He often encourages fellow residents to attend meetings, participate in activities, and stay informed about opportunities available to them. For Roy, community starts with showing up and getting involved.

Like many residents, Roy is still figuring out the next chapter in his life. As he continues settling into his home at VCH, he’s growing to appreciate the stability, peace of mind, and opportunity that supportive housing provides. Having a place of his own has allowed him to focus on what comes next.