A Community of Friends gathered on Wednesday, November 9th, to break ground on an exciting new project. CEO Dora Gallo was joined by elected officials: Mark Ridley-Thomas, L.A. County Supervisor, 2nd District; Herb Wesson, L.A. City Council President; Assemblymember Sebastian Ridley-Thomas;   financial supporters: Rushmore Cervantes (LA Housing & Community Investment Department), Carlos Van Natter (Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles), Jacqueline Waggoner (Enterprise Community Partners), Sonia Rahm (Citi Community Capital).  ACOF Board Members Thuong Luong, Michael Linsk, Philip Feder, and Allen Freeman were in attendance along with ACOF staff and Chandler Pratt, who originally brought this project to ACOF.

Arlington Square will be a 48 unit, 100% special needs community targeting individuals who are homeless and living with mental illness. Thirty-five percent of the units are reserved for veterans and 10 units have been set aside for people living with HIV/AIDS. Designed to meet high environmental standards, Arlington Square is projected to reach LEED® Gold certification. There will be high-efficiency appliances, high-efficiency fixtures, xeriscaping, and 48 long-term bicycle lockers for tenants. Amenities include a community room with computer lab, community kitchen, fitness center and onsite laundry facilities.

Visit our Facebook page to see the Arlington Square Groundbreaking Photo Album. You can also find a short Arlington Groundbreaking Video posted there.