Homelessness has been an increasing epidemic throughout Orange County and in Los Angeles. There have been efforts made to help alleviate the mass of abandoned veterans, with attempts to take them off the streets and provide food, water and safety. American Family Housing, a nonprofit organization dedicated to permanently ending the cycle of homelessness, has made great strides to do just that.
American Family Housing’s newest project, Potter’s Lane, is a first-of-its kind eco-friendly affordable housing complex that provides permanent housing for chronically homeless veterans in Midway City, Calif. Potter’s Lane is the first project to use recycled shipping containers to create affordable housing. The hope is to build a community, reduce isolation, and help veterans feel like they are part of something bigger.
The 16-structure studio apartments were designed with input from the community and include a spacious community room, a landscaped courtyard and gardens, an on-site manager and services and support nearby.
It was an honor and pleasure to be involved with this project and help plan the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. Featured speakers included General Mark Baird, US Air Force as well as Dignitaries from the Veterans Administration, California Department of Housing and Community Development, and Orange County Board of Supervisors. Speakers noted that Potter’s Lane is a first step for opening doors to veterans in need and giving them a space to live, grow and recreate a life for themselves. This powerful project will restore innovation and enhance determination in the community to decrease our homeless population and take care of our veterans with dignity and compassion. For more information, please visit afhusa.org/potterslane.php. Or contact:
Yvonne Szikla, owner
Events with a Purpose
858.312.6117
