Agency seeks money to house Burbank homeless

Ascencia, an organization based in Glendale that assists the homeless, could bring a program to Burbank for 20 housing units for homeless adults and families, its executive director said.

The nonprofit, formerly known as PATH Achieve before striking out on its own, recently applied for about $84,450 to subsidize housing for 15 chronically homeless adults and five homeless families in Burbank, said Executive Director Natalie Profant Komuro.

The five-year program could start late next year, she said, noting there were still two hurdles — one local and one national.

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and the Los Angeles County Housing Authority are reviewing the regional application for funding, which would then be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, she said.

“Los Angeles has to make the case that we need more of these types of subsidies,” Profant Komuro said. “I hope we can demonstrate the continued need for funding in L.A. County.”

More than $80 million is being sought for the L.A. funding package, she said.

“I think they can do it, but you never want to take it for granted. It’s a national competition,” Profant Komuro said.

The Burbank program would use 10 studio, five one-bedroom and five two-bedroom apartments once agreements are reached with landlords, she said.

The difference between the rent and what the tenant would pay is the subsidy, which over five years is $84,450, Profant Kumoro said.

Ascencia would have to raise additional funds to pay for social or medical services the homeless client might need.

According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, 202 people in Burbank were homeless in 2011, and of those, 114 were without shelter, 48 were using an emergency shelter and 40 were in transitional housing.

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-- Maria Hsin, Times Community News