TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file a report on the renovation of the Palace Hotel for transitional foster care youth housing.
DISCUSSION
May is "National Foster Care Month" and it is appropriate to discuss the City of Long Beach's future role in foster care as this month comes to its conclusion.
There are approximately 1,000 youth in the foster care system in Long Beach alone. Once they turn the age of 18, they are often left homeless and unemployed. Later this summer, Long Beach will be unveiling its first-ever transitional housing for foster youth. It will be housed in the former Palace Hotel, which was built in 1929 at 2640 E. Anaheim Street. The project is a collaboration of the 4th Council District office, the Long Beach Housing Development Company (LBHDC), LINC Housing and United Friends of the Children (UFC). Construction is currently underway and will be completed by the end of the summer.
Under the program, administered by UFC, students will live at the renovated Palace in studio units and be required to work, pay rent and attend life skill classes. UFC's program has been an unparalleled success in helping these youth achieve independence and self-sufficiency.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
PATRICK O'DONNELL
COUNCILMEMBER, FOURTH DISTRICT