In July, HHCLA’s Access to Housing for Health (AHH) program was honored with an achievement award from the National Association of Counties. On August 17, 2010 the award was recognized and presented to HHCLA by the Honorable Supervisor Don Knabe of the Los Angeles County Fourth District. The AHH program is a unique collaboration with the Department of Health Services, the Housing Authority of the City and County of Los Angeles, and the Community Development Commission of the County of Los Angeles. The program was awarded this recognition for assisting the homeless into permanent housing with an effective and innovative program that contributes to and enhances county government in the United States.
Since the program’s inception in 2007, more than 100 clients have been placed in permanent housing, and 62 of those have been in housing for over a year. The program focuses on providing the tools necessary for clients to remain successful in permanent housing and to prevent them from future homelessness. Master’s level case managers assist participants by linking them to medical, mental health, substance use, and other treatment services while also helping them to securing income, health insurance benefits, support and advocacy. The in-house housing locator assists clients in the application process in order to secure Section 8 and to find housing in their desired area. This unique and intense case management focused program has aided those in need and has helped individuals and families gain permanent housing. HHCLA is thankful for the recognition and anticipates assisting future clients with acquiring secured permanent housing in order to help eradicate homelessness. We are proud of our AHH staff: Elda Lazaro, MSW/Director of AHH, Leda Grembowski, MSW/Case Manager, Elizabeth Molina Gutierrez, MSW/Case Manager, and Sherie Cigar-James, MAED/Housing Locator.
PHOTO (from left to right): Mark Casanova, Executive Director; Honorable Don Knabe, Los Angeles County Supervisor, Fourth District; Elda Lazaro, MSW, Director of AHH.
