Central Los Angeles : Low-Income Housing Complex Opens in Boyle Heights

When John Toledo, who lived in a homeless shelter for 19 months, moved into his new room in the Las Palomas housing complex in Boyle Heights, he was overjoyed with what he saw.

“I have my own room, my own bed and bathroom. There is a kitchen and lounge here--all brand new,” said Toledo, whose monthly income is $63 in general relief payments. “Coming from a homeless shelter, this place is a blessing and a joy.”

The brick building, constructed as a bathhouse and hotel in the 1920s, was renovated to provide 62 affordable apartments for low-income residents, senior citizens, and the physically and mentally disabled.

Occupants, who pay 30% of their income for rent, began moving into the complex at Chicago and 1st streets last week when the building opened. The remainder of the rent is provided by federal funds under a low-income subsidy program.

The project is sponsored by A Community of Friends, a nonprofit group that provides housing for homeless and mentally disabled people. The group bought the structure in 1993 and used $5.3 million in federal, city and private funds to renovate the building and provide rent subsidies.