Sun Valley : Low-Cost Housing Complex Is Dedicated

The doors opened Friday to a low-cost rental housing complex in Sun Valley, providing some welcome permanence for Northridge earthquake victims and one-time homeless residents who will move in later this month.

The 18-unit complex--called Vineland Place, located in the 7800 block of Vineland Avenue--was developed by L.A. Family Housing Corp. The nonprofit housing development agency has built and operated local emergency shelters, temporary housing and affordable housing facilities since 1983.

Vineland Place was dedicated Friday in honor of U.S. Circuit Judge Harry Pregerson in recognition of his role as an advocate for the homeless.

“I was born in this city. I love this city,” said Pregerson. “I want this city to be strong and come together again. And it’s not going to happen if we’ve got people homeless and living in cars.”

The Sun Valley complex includes two-, three- and four-bedroom units, with gray carpets, bright white walls and kitchens with gas stoves and brown-trimmed cabinets. Tenants will pay from $310 per month for a two-bedroom apartment to $591 per month for a four-bedroom apartment.

Families are scheduled to begin moving in to the complex July 15.

Among Vineland’s first residents will be Carmelita Howell, 23, who was displaced with her three children from her Van Nuys apartment by the Northridge earthquake. “I don’t know what to say,” said Howell. “I’m very excited. It’s very important to me.”

“It’s closer to where I work and closer to the baby-sitter where I take her,” Howell said, gesturing to her 4-month-old daughter.

Other new tenants will include Norma and Daniel Morales and their daughter, who have been homeless and living in temporary shelters since Daniel lost his full-time job in Los Angeles in late 1992.

“I know my daughter will enjoy playing in the sandbox and I know she will be safe here,” said Morales. “There is a park close by and a library. These are things I never thought I could give her.”