Homes for Those on the Bottom Rung : The mentally ill find dwellings through three innovative projects in Los Angeles area

Many homeless men and women who are also mentally ill must overcome their personal demons, addictions and dependencies in addition to overcoming poverty, unemployment and illiteracy. Most former mental patients require a great deal of support to make the transition from the streets or emergency shelters to more permanent housing. That help is now available at three new affordable-housing facilities in Los Angeles.

Nonprofit groups deserve credit for tackling this difficult challenge. A Community of Friends, which specializes in developing permanent and affordable housing for adults with special needs, used public and private funds to establish three new apartment complexes. Because the housing is subsidized, primarily by the federal government, poor tenants can afford the rents. Support services are provided by mental health agencies to allow residents to live independently.

The $3.7-million Berendo Apartments, which includes 48 studio units, opened last month in the Mid-City district. Portals Mental Health Rehabilitation Services operates the housing and provides services such as counseling and help in finding a job.

In Santa Monica, Step Up on Second recently opened a four-story complex to provide permanent housing for 36 mentally ill, low-income people. In partnership with A Community of Friends, Step Up on Second used low-interest loans, government housing funds and low-income housing tax credits to fund the $3.8-million project, which includes a community room and art and dance studios. Step Up on Second, which has worked for years with mentally ill people, provides psychological services, help in grooming and budgeting and assistance in the areas of vocational training and job placement to encourage residents to take responsibility for themselves.

In Pacoima, a dozen mentally disabled tenants moved into the $4.3-million Hillview Village last month, and more are expected to settle into the new apartments next week. Hillview Mental Health Inc. and the Valley Housing Foundation developed the 50-unit complex in partnership with A Community of Friends. The housing, which includes counselor services, recreational facilities and a community kitchen, was designed with the requirements of homeless mentally ill men and women in mind.

A Community of Friends has several hundred units in operation or production. But the need is greater. Experts estimate that 20% to 30% of the single homeless population is mentally ill. This new housing should become a model for the nation.