County Awards Funds to Venice Homeless Families

Los Angeles County and the First 5 LA Commission on Tuesday announced $7.5 million in funding for families with young children at risk of homelessness.

The Rental Assistance and Services Fund Program is expected to provide rent subsidies and support services to 700 families with children ages 5 and under who are homeless or at risk of losing their home.

The money will go to seven service providers, including one in Venice and others in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, the San Gabriel Valley, Covina and San Pedro.

In addition to helping out with rent, parents will receive training in life skills, money management and parenting, along with health and nutrition education. Educational and recreational opportunities will be provided for children.

"We are delighted to be able to assist the First 5 LA Commission administer this very important program ... to enable families to keep their young children in stable housing while on the road to self-sufficiency," said Community Development Commission Executive Director Seth Rogan.

To be eligible, families must have current or past interaction with the Department of Children and Family Services.

"We are focusing on helping families with children prenatal to age five who have had involvement with the child welfare system and are struggling daily with homelessness," said First 5's Executive Director Kim Belshe.

The First 5 LA Commission oversees the county's allocation of funds from Proposition 10, the tax increase on tobacco products sold in California approved by voters in 1998. Funds raised help pay for health care, education and child development programs for children up to the age of 5.