#United States #Los Angeles #A Step to Freedom #HUD Grant #Warm the Streets

A Step to Freedom Celebrates a Milestone

On December 3rd, 2024, A Step to Freedom (ASF) proudly announced the 10-year anniversary of its Warm the Streets LA initiative, alongside a groundbreaking $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This funding represents the first sizable grant offsetting the organization's persistent commitment to combatting homelessness and enhancing essential services throughout South Los Angeles.

Significance of the HUD Grant

The HUD award is not merely a financial boost; it serves as validation for ASF's ongoing efforts to reshape the landscape of affordable housing and support for the local homeless community. This crucial funding will facilitate the development of permanent supportive housing (PSH) for justice-involved adults and transition-aged youth in South LA. The planned project transforms a surface parking lot into a communal living space, providing essential housing options for residents earning between 30% and 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

A Legacy of Service

Over the past decade, Warm the Streets LA has spearheaded initiatives aimed at addressing the pervasive issue of homelessness in Los Angeles. Each winter, ASF has mobilized an army of volunteers to distribute thousands of blankets and personal protective equipment to the city's second-largest homeless population during the coldest months of the year. Such efforts not only provide essential aid but also seek to humanize the struggles faced by the unhoused, nurturing community trust and paving pathways toward independence.

This year, the Warm the Streets LA campaign expanded to cover two days—November 8th and 9th—marking its anniversary by distributing an impressive total of 10,000 blankets. The initiative highlights the dire need for continued action and support in addressing the complex challenges of homelessness.

Voices of Commitment

Kenya Croom, CEO of A Step to Freedom, expressed a heartfelt commitment to building a thriving community for local residents. "In South LA, we are committed to ensuring that residents can afford housing in their own neighborhood," he stated. Croom likened their approach to creating something beautiful from limited resources, asserting that, “We will make it smell good, taste good, and bring the best out of what we have."

Congresswoman Maxine Waters also weighed in, emphasizing that although the new administration may not prioritize affordable housing and homelessness, ASF’s mission remains paramount. "We face new challenges, but as Kenya reminded me, we've always done this work—and we will continue to do it with all our strength," Waters assured.

Looking Ahead

As ASF embarks on this transformative journey with HUD's support, the organization hopes to harness additional funding and collaboration from nonprofits, government bodies, and private partnerships to realize its vision. Board President Jimar Wilson underscored the vital role ASF plays in navigating the obstacles faced by unhoused individuals. He remarked, “There are so many who are struggling to navigate the complexities of life off the streets. It is our mission to support the needs of people in South Los Angeles who are desperately looking for a leg up.”

For more information on A Step to Freedom and how they are making strides towards accommodating the homeless population, visit A Step to Freedom's website. By combining community-driven programming and substantial grants, ASF is stepping up to foster resilience and driving meaningful change in South LA.

This milestone celebration marks not just a decade of service but an invitation for continued investment in the future of housing and community support for all South Los Angeles residents.