#United States #Santa Fe Springs #The Whole Child #Safe Families

Grand Opening of the Safe Families Center

On February 1, 2025, The Whole Child will celebrate the grand opening of its groundbreaking Safe Families Interim Housing and Support Services Center in Santa Fe Springs, California. This new facility marks a significant milestone in the region's efforts to address homelessness by offering structured support to families in crisis.

The Safe Families Center is designed to provide interim housing for families facing homelessness, accommodating up to 40 families at any given time. Beyond providing a roof over their heads, the center will offer extensive services aimed at fostering healing and stability. Families will have access to trauma-informed mental health care, housing navigation assistance, and crucial educational resources, including parenting and nutrition education.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, a key advocate for the project, emphasized the importance of innovative solutions to combat homelessness. "As we continue to address the homelessness crisis, we have to try new strategies, and this Homeless to Homeowner Campus we are bringing to Santa Fe Springs is innovative," she stated. Supervisor Hahn has secured over $7.3 million for the project, showcasing the financial commitment from various stakeholders to make this vision a reality.

The Safe Families Center is part of a larger initiative known as the “Homeless to Homeowner Campus.” This ambitious development aims to create a continuum of care for families transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing. The campus will not only provide interim shelter but ultimately guide families toward securing affordable permanent housing options.

The city of Santa Fe Springs played a vital role in this project by donating land valued at over $1.4 million. This collaboration highlights a community-oriented approach to tackling homelessness, ensuring that families have a safe and nurturing environment during some of the most challenging times in their lives.

The facility hosts a variety of amenities designed to support family needs, including a computer lab, laundry services, a food pantry, treatment rooms for mental health services, and a playground for children. Living units are equipped with full kitchens, furnishings, household items, and appliances, providing families with a sense of normalcy and comfort.

Constanza Pachon, CEO of The Whole Child, expressed her gratitude for the collaborative effort that has brought the project to fruition. "This represents the culmination of over six years of planning, fundraising, and commitment. To finally open this facility is a testimony to the hard work of our board, leadership team, partners, and funders,” she remarked.

The positive impact of the Safe Families Center on the local community cannot be understated. By addressing the immediate needs of homeless families while also paving a path toward lasting stability, the center will serve as a beacon of hope for many. Mayor Bill Rounds of Santa Fe Springs echoed these sentiments, stating, "This innovative facility represents hope, stability, and opportunity for families experiencing homelessness. The Whole Child is not just addressing homelessness but offering a pathway to lasting change."

As the center prepares for its grand opening, the community anticipates its role in improving the lives of its residents significantly. It stands not only as a center for provision but as a model for future initiatives aimed at family empowerment and stability. The success of the Safe Families Interim Housing and Support Services Center has the potential to inspire similar programs across Los Angeles County and beyond.