Wellnest will Host its Groundbreaking Ceremony, begin construction on “The Nest on Exposition,” a Housing and Mental Health Project for Young Adults Aged 18–25

Mar 6, 2024 | Press Release

Los Angeles, CA – Wellnest, a provider of mental health and supportive services, announces the upcoming Groundbreaking Ceremony for The Nest on Exposition. This innovative housing and mental health project, in collaboration with the State of California and the County of Los Angeles, marks a significant step in addressing the intersecting issues of homelessness, housing insecurity and mental health in California.

This project comes to fruition as a result of Wellnest being recently announced as a recipient of the Homekey NOFA Award from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). This award is part of the $156.4 million in Homekey awards allocated in the latest funding round aimed at combating homelessness and housing insecurity across the state of California.

This new sanctuary is made possible by the generous support from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the County of Los Angeles, showcasing effective collaboration between public entities and organizations like Wellnest. The project will be co-developed between Wellnest and Holos Communities, highlighting a partnership committed to addressing housing and mental health needs.

Charlene Dimas Peinado, Wellnest President and CEO stated: “The Groundbreaking Ceremony for The Nest on Exposition is a momentous occasion that signifies our commitment to creating a healthier community by providing vulnerable youth with the support they need. This project exemplifies the power of collaboration between public entities and dedicated organizations like Wellnest. We look forward to the positive impact it will have on our community.”

Groundbreaking Ceremony for The Nest on Exposition

Date: Thursday, February 29, 2024

Time: 12:00pm-2:00pm

  • 12:00pm-12:30pm | Check-in and Light Refreshments
  • 12:30pm-1:00pm | Official Program
  • 1:00pm-2:00pm | Photographs, Networking and Lunch

Location:

Wellnest Exposition Park Office

3787 South Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Guest speakers include:

  • Gustavo Velasquez, Director of California Department of Housing and Community Development
  • Holly J. Mitchell, Los Angeles County Board Supervisor, 2nd District
  • Lourdes Castro Ramirez, Chief Housing and Homelessness Solutions, Office of Mayor Karen Bass
  • Gail Kennard, Chairperson, Wellnest Board of Directors
  • Charlene Dimas-Peinado, President & CEO Wellnest

The Nest on Exposition is a modular project designed to provide 24 interim housing units for young individuals who may be at risk for homelessness, alongside integrated mental health services.

This ceremony will not only mark the physical start of construction but also symbolize the start of a transformative journey that will change lives, strengthen communities, and set an example for future initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness and mental health challenges.

Program

For media inquiries contact:

**Speakers will be available for interview requests. Spanish language interviews and comments are available.