CUDAHY : Low-Income Housing Sign-Up Under Way

Nearly six years after work began on a three apartment buildings, tenants are being sought for the 32 units built to replace housing lost to Century Freeway construction.

The three buildings were constructed with $2.7 million from the state Department of Housing and Community Development. The apartments are a joint project of the Century Freeway Housing Program and the Century Freeway Pre-Apprenticeship Training program.

Construction began in 1987 but was halted soon after the contractor hired by the state went out of business, said G. Allen Kingston, executive director of the Century Freeway Housing Program. Work resumed in 1989 on the three buildings, which were completed last month.

The apartments were built by trainees from the pre-apprenticeship program, a seven-week course that trains people in trades such as roofing.

“What we try and do is provide people with skills so they can go out and get jobs,” said Maurice Kane, special program coordinator for the training program.

Trainees are initially paid $4.25 an hour, but earn $6.50 by the fifth week of their training.

The buildings at 3914 Live Oak St., 5133 Santa Ana St., and 4513 Elizabeth St. are a mixture of one-, two- and three-bedroom units. Rents vary according to the income of tenants, but rent cannot exceed 30% of the tenants’ gross income, Kingston said.

The program is reviewing applications for the three buildings.

Housing information: (310) 419-2377. Training program information: (310) 673-3944.