Help-Portrait is a global event founded by celebrity photographers Jeremy Cowart and Kyle Chowning in 2008. Each December, photographers, hairstylists and makeup artists all around the world find people in need, take their picture, print their picture and then deliver it—free of charge. We are very excited to report that this year, Help-Portrait Los Angeles … Continue reading Global Help-Portrait Event Coming to ACOF

Q: You’re an Enterprise Rose Fellow. What is the Rose Fellowship, and what was the process to become a Fellow? The fellowship is a program for emerging architects to gain experience in the affordable housing world and to bring their design talents to the affordable housing community. Frederick Rose was a developer and philanthropist in … Continue reading Brita Carlson, Enterprise Rose Fellow

“I’m a social scientist,” Karina Schaake says modestly. “My background is in evaluation and research.” With a Master’s degree in both Cultural Anthropology and Social Policy, Karina is working toward her Ph.D. in Sociology. During the summer, Karina decided she wanted to volunteer with a nonprofit organization. “I wanted to do something with homelessness. I … Continue reading Social Scientist Volunteers Her Skills

By Tara Barauskas, Director of Housing  A Community of Friends (ACOF) has a 36-unit project under construction in the City of La Verne called “Cedar Springs.” It’s on the campus of David & Margaret Youth and Family Services, a service organization that was founded over 100 years ago as an orphanage.  The main 17-acre campus … Continue reading Cedar Springs is Building Up

We are pleased to announce the addition of two new members to ACOF’s Board of Directors, elected at the Board’s Annual Meeting in late June. Both demonstrate dedication and passion for ACOF’s cause. Thuong Luong currently serves as Vice President of Portfolio Management at Laurus Corporation, a real estate investment firm. She is responsible for … Continue reading ACOF Welcomes New Board Members

By Dora Leong Gallo, CEO  At ACOF ground-breakings and grand openings, I often talk about how complicated it is to develop permanent supportive housing – affordable homes that include onsite supportive services – due to the complexities of piecing together financing for construction, social services and rental subsidies. Cobbling a patchwork of funding needed to … Continue reading HOME Fund Crisis Looms

IN THIS ISSUE: Jasmine Roman Tenant Success Story including being featured in a documentary film • Cedar Springs Progress • Meet New Board Members Thuong Luong and Gary Lee Moore • Call for Volunteers • Read About the HOME Fund Crisis • and catch the Gala Wrap Up Click here to read A Community of … Continue reading The Latest News from A Community of Friends

The Tenant Picnic was a huge success! Bank of America Volunteers assisted dozens of children with a variety of art and craft events including facepainting, building lava lamps, and creating custom kites. A great time was had by all and A Community of Friends is grateful for the participation of all the volunteers!

Good News to Share: 1) On Wednesday, July 22, after many years of trying to get the much needed Lorena Plaza Project (pictured above) in a forward momentum, Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council voted 15 to 1 in support of our project!!!  The next step is final approval of the project and a Joint Development Agreement with … Continue reading Great News: Two New ACOF Pipeline Developments Move Foward!

Thank you to all who attended and/or supported our incredibly successful 13th Annual Awards Celebration! With the help and support of so many members of our community, we were able raise almost $230,000 in proceeds in support of ACOF’s tenant services! Thank you to our honorees, The Honorable Jackie Lacey, William A. Witte, SCANPH and … Continue reading Gala Gratitude