A Community of Friends (ACOF) consistently demonstrates its commitment to building brighter futures through supportive housing and essential services across Southern California. Central to their success are vital partnerships that amplify their impact. One notable collaboration involves the Latino Alliance For Animal Care Coalition, joining forces with ACOF and other organizations to deliver crucial pet wellness services directly to residents, showcasing a holistic approach to community support. This partnership highlights how targeted initiatives contribute significantly to the well-being of individuals and families within ACOF communities.
Pet Wellness Clinics: A Vital Collaboration
Between May 2023 and August 2024, ACOF, enabled by generous grant funding and donations, successfully hosted six pet wellness clinics and specialized Spay/Neuter clinics. These vital events took place across multiple ACOF properties, including locations in Boyle Heights, Pacoima, North Hills, South Los Angeles, and Lincoln Heights.
This significant undertaking was achieved through a dedicated partnership between ACOF, betterTogether Forever, and the Latino Alliance For Animal Care Coalition. Together, these organizations provided a comprehensive range of services aimed at improving the health and well-being of residents’ pets. Services included essential vaccinations, flea treatments, nail trimming, deworming, vital microchipping, medically necessary grooming, and even emergency care when required. Beyond direct health services, the clinics also served as distribution points for pet food and toys. Furthermore, pet owners received invaluable information and resources concerning responsible animal care, emphasizing the critical importance of microchipping, spaying, and neutering pets to ensure their long-term health and safety.
ACOF Pet Wellness Clinic providing essential services at a supportive housing community.
Broader Community Impact: ACOF’s Recent Initiatives
The collaboration with the Latino Alliance for Animal Care Coalition is one facet of ACOF’s extensive efforts to foster thriving communities. Numerous events and milestones underscore their ongoing commitment to providing housing and comprehensive support.
Celebrating Milestones and Honorees
ACOF events frequently celebrate achievements and recognize key figures contributing to community welfare. On June 5th, 2024, the ACOF 2024 Awards Celebration at VALENTINE DTLA, hosted by Actress Devin Sidell with music by DJ Tyler Boudreaux, honored three exceptional individuals: Celebrity Chef & Veteran Andre Rush (Advocacy Award), ACOF Tenant & Community Volunteer Robert Jones (Achievement Award), and Journalist Anna Scott (inaugural Media Award).
Photo collage from the ACOF 2024 annual Awards Celebration event.
Previously, on June 7, 2023, ACOF marked its 35th Anniversary, also at VALENTINE DTLA. The event honored LA Mayor Karen Bass for her leadership and commitment to the city’s residents, alongside recognizing the inspiring journey of Derek Henderson, a Veteran and ACOF Tenant who overcame significant challenges.
ACOF 35th Anniversary event honoring Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
Expanding Affordable Housing
ACOF continues to expand its portfolio of affordable and supportive housing through new developments and openings:
- Crossroads at Washington Grand Opening (September 26, 2024): This 86-unit community in Santa Ana’s Logan neighborhood provides homes for low-income families and Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) tenants, with onsite services offered in partnership with OCHCA.
Community members celebrating the Crossroads at Washington grand opening.
- Liberty Lane Groundbreaking (December 9, 2023): In partnership with Western Community Housing, this Redlands development will feature 80 units (60 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, 1 three-bedroom) and numerous amenities, including a clubhouse and dog run.
Officials breaking ground at the Liberty Lane Apartments site in Redlands, CA.
- West Terrace Grand Opening (September 16, 2023): Celebrated with a block party featuring LA Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Mayor Karen Bass, this 64-unit development houses formerly homeless families/individuals and low-income families.
Attendees at the West Terrace Apartments grand opening celebration block party.
- Huntington Square Groundbreaking (May 4, 2023): Located in Huntington Park, this 48-unit community will provide stable housing for low-income seniors and formerly homeless senior veterans, with services from ACOF, LA County DMH, and the VA.
Groundbreaking ceremony for Huntington Square supportive housing in Huntington Park.
- Lorena Plaza Groundbreaking (November 9, 2022): A joint project with LA Metro, this development near the Gold Line will offer 49 affordable units (half for veterans) and commercial space.
Officials at the Lorena Plaza groundbreaking ceremony for veteran supportive housing.
- Ventura Springs Groundbreaking (June 23, 2022): Co-developed with U.S.VETS, this 122-apartment community in San Buenaventura serves formerly homeless veterans and low-income veterans and their families across 11 buildings.
Groundbreaking event for Ventura Springs veteran housing community.
- Oasis Senior Villas Groundbreaking (March 10, 2022): This 95-unit Riverside community is designed for seniors and senior veterans experiencing homelessness or living with mental illness, revitalizing a vacant lot near downtown.
Ceremony marking the groundbreaking of Oasis Senior Villas in Riverside.
Recognizing Advocacy and Support
ACOF also highlights advocacy efforts through events like ‘Beyond Perceptions’. On September 20, 2022, at the Petersen Automotive Museum, the event honored ACOF tenant Frederick ‘Juice’ Johnson for his humanitarian work and filmmaker Nasreen Alkhateeb for her advocacy supporting underrepresented communities and awareness of invisible disabilities.
Attendees at the ACOF Beyond Perceptions 2022 gala fundraising event.
Conclusion
The diverse range of events and initiatives undertaken by A Community of Friends underscores their comprehensive approach to community building. Collaborations, such as the Pet Wellness Clinics run in partnership with the Latino Alliance for Animal Care Coalition and betterTogether Forever, are crucial components of this strategy. By addressing various resident needs, from housing stability and health services to animal welfare and community celebrations, ACOF and its partners continue to make a significant positive impact, fostering supportive environments where individuals and families can thrive. These combined efforts demonstrate a powerful model for holistic community support across Southern California.
