Homeless Shelter May Close for Lack of Funds

A homeless shelter for disabled people is in danger of closing its doors Saturday, when the facility’s funding runs out.

Operators of the Chavez House, a transitional living facility designed for the homeless disabled, are hoping donations from the public will keep the house open until they can secure future government funding.

The Chavez House was opened five years ago at 3551 E. 4th Street by Community Rehabilitation Services Inc., a Los Angeles-based nonprofit group.

The facility provides shelter and an eight-week training program to help homeless disabled clients relocate to permanent housing. The home provides housing for eight people at a time.

The facility’s funding problems began in 1998, when Community Rehabilitation Services missed the deadline for filing a grant application with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.

The authority rejected a grant application this year from the nonprofit group, saying it was “not competitive.”

Al Rivera, executive director of the Community Rehabilitation Services, said his group needs $130,000 to keep the facility open until the next funding cycle begins.

“It’s a needed program and it’s a shame that it’s going to stop,” he said.