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 THE NEW ALEGRIA housing complex took on a carnival feel as residents, friends and guests celebrated the grand opening of the 44-unit facility recently in Silverlake, CA.Hundreds of well-wishers, including Los Angeles City Councilmember Eric Garcetti, recently celebrated the dedication of the Army’s Alegria in Silverlake. |
Alegria Spanish for “Joy” – is a village-style apartment complex designed specifically for homeless and low-income families affected by the HIV and AIDS virus.
There are 28 units of permanent housing for those needing intensive services, and another 16 units of transitional housing. An onsite child care center is licensed to care for up to 70 kids from Alegria and the local community. Alegria is one of the largest programs of its kind anywhere in the United States.
“The Salvation Army, together with our community partners, has enhanced our ability to care for hurting and needy people with the opening of Alegria,” said So. California Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Alfred R. Van Cleef.
The dedication ceremony featured a performance by the Millennium Choir, conducted by Maestro Beppe Cantarelli, and a carnival atmosphere which included face painting, sidewalk art, acrobatics and a basketball demonstration.
The $9 million project was funded by the City of Los Angeles Housing Department, County of Los Angeles Housing Authority, Enterprise Social Investment Corporation, Fed-eral Home Loan Bank, Weingart Foundation, Bank of America and other private donors. Alegria was recently named Project of the Year in the special needs category by the Southern California Association of Non-Profit Housing (SCANPH).
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