Paul Stansbury

Paul Stansbury has worked in various capacities in the field of higher education in community colleges since 1972. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management. He later attended the University of Southern California, receiving a Master of Business Administration. Next, he received a Master of Arts in Sociology from California State University, Long Beach. He also attended Pepperdine University where he graduated with a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration.

Paul’s community contributions include serving as President of the South Bay Affiliate of National Alliance on Mental Illness. He also serves on the Culver City – Palms YMCA Board, and the Starview Family & Children’s Services Board. Paul and his wife reside in Manhattan Beach, have three sons and two grandchildren.

Mary, 36

Children were taken away by the Department of Children and Family Services

Mary was a working parent with three children when she was diagnosed with mental illness. After having a psychotic breakdown, her children were taken away from her by the Department of Children and Family Services. She ended up homeless for a few years and was later picked up by police. This led to hospitalization and professional help. After being placed in a homeless transitional housing program, she was accepted into one of HFLF”s programs.

“Now I live in peace with my birds. I’m also able to stay in touch with my children because now I can afford a cell phone.”

Margaret, 38

Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder

Before coming to HFLF, Margaret was chronically homeless and unemployed due to a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. She also struggled with addiction and lived in downtown LA on Skid Row for many years.

“I was able to recover from addiction and graduate from USC. Without the housing and services provided by Homes for Life, this would not have been possible. I’m able to look forward to the future with confidence.”

James, 55

Lived in hospital bathrooms

James was homeless and lived in motels through the motel voucher program for the homeless. After he used all of his motel vouchers, he started sleeping in the bathroom at Harbor UCLA Medical Center so he could wait to be admitted to the psych ward. He was then transferred to a homeless transitional housing program and after two years was accepted into one of HFLF”s programs. After being in our program, James stopped hallucinating and became less paranoid.

“My new housing gave me security and shelter. My apartment has a bed, a television, heat and air conditioning. I’m so grateful to have a home now.”

Kenneth, 57

Ate leftovers behind fast food restaurants

Before he was accepted into one of the HFLF programs, Kenneth was homeless and sleeping in public parks and behind buildings. He would wash himself in public bathrooms to stay as clean as he could and ate leftovers behind fast food restaurants.

“I appreciate them very much. I had nothing before being accepted and now I have a reason to live again. My case manager is very friendly and helped me stabilize and understand my medical issues. I’m happy now and plan to expand my life to the fullest. Thank you for changing my life.”

Frank, 41

Struggled with alcohol and drug abuse since the age of 12

Frank began using alcohol and drugs when he was 12 years old. At the age of 22, he was diagnosed with mental illness. He weighed nearly 300 lbs. and was living on the streets of Los Angeles without any type of treatment.

“When I was accepted into the program at Homes for Life, it was the first permanent place I had to live in my life. Now, I have friends and a good relationship with my family. I’ve been stable on medication and clean from drugs and alcohol for six years. I want to thank Homes for Life for this chance.”

Bob, 42

Homeless, penniless, disabled

Prior to being accepted by Homes for Life, Bob was homeless, penniless, disabledand desperate. After being evicted from his residence, he lived in six different shelters and was suicidal.

“I cannot say enough about Homes for Life Foundation and the people who work there. They have given me my life back.”

Grand Opening for the HFLF Sequoia Apartments

Homes for Life Foundation | June 13, 2014

On June 13, 2014, the Homes for Life Foundation (HFLF) and Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) Community Development Corporation celebrated the grand opening of the HFLF Sequoia Apartments. HFLF Sequoia Apartments provide 24 housing units for low-income adults with mental disabilities, 12 of which are specifically set-aside for chronically homeless adults with mental disabilities. The lack of permanent, affordable, supportive housing has been one of the main obstacles to stabilized lives for mentally disabled adults. All units are affordable and range from 30% to 50% average median income.

Design of the HFLF Sequoia Apartments integrates the unique and various Mediterranean architectural styles found in the surrounding neighborhood. The development was constructed on a previously vacant lot, which had long been an eyesore in the community. HFLF Sequoia Apartments represents a high performing, energy efficient structure in the area and establishes a new precedent for what can be achieved in underserved communities in Los Angeles. The building was designed with many “green” elements and is targeting LEED Gold Certification. Some of the unique features include a permeable parking lot and bioswale, to help reduce and clean stormwater runoff, drought resistant landscaping, thermal solar water heating, recycling and LED lights throughout the building. Taking full advantage of the mild Southern California climate, two rooftop terraces provide a serene yet secure outdoor environment for residents with shade trellises and raised planter gardens around the perimeter.

sequoia

In addition to providing quality housing, the development offers community and social service space to its residents. On-site supportive services include life skills development, mental health counseling, crisis intervention, economic empowerment through linkages to employment and education, and networking for off-site mental health services. A resident manager also lives on-site to assist residents capable of independent living.

HFLF Sequoia Apartments would not be possible without funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, the National Equity Fund, and the Corporation for Supportive Housing. The HUD 811 program provided almost $4.1 million in funding, the National Equity Fund provided $4.8 million in tax credit equity investment, and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority provided over $500,000 in funding for capital and services.

“National Equity Fund is proud to partner with LTSC Community Development Corporation and Homes for Life Foundation to enable residents of the HFLF Sequoia Apartments to live independently in a safe and stable home with vital social services,” commented Todd Fabian, vice president and regional manager at National Equity Fund, Inc., the development’s source of LIHTC equity. “Its developments like Sequoia that make this industry so rewarding.”

news-sequoia

Homes for Life Foundation was formed as a nonprofit housing and services agency in 1986, and is dedicated to establishing a network of permanent, affordable, supportive housing within the geographical boundaries of Los Angeles County for homeless and chronically homeless individuals who suffer from mental disabilities. The fundamental purpose of offering mentally disabled adults the choice of a ‘home for life’ is to prevent their downward spiral of despair and crises due to lack of the same.

LTSC Community Development Corporation is a non-profit community-based organization, which has been providing services for over 30 years to the greater Los Angeles community. Programs include senior services, assistance for victims of domestic violence, support groups, social services, child abuse and neglect outreach, emergency food and shelter assistance, affordable housing, youth programs and community economic development.

Chris Gundel

Chris Gundel worked as a school psychologist for several years, and after completing a PhD in psychology, transitioned to the high tech industry as an industrial education psychologist. He also obtained an MBA and for 33 years used his combined knowledge of psychology, education, and business to lead tech training for IBM. Chris is currently employed at NC$-U.S.

On a personal level, as the father of a child with ADHD, Chris has learned firsthand the importance of advocating for and supporting organizations that help individuals with special needs. When an opening to serve on the board of HFLF appeared, Chris was thrilled with the opportunity to help such a worthwhile cause.

David Stairs

David Stairs is the Vice President of Brookhill Corp, a privately owned investment company with assets including industrial, retail, office, and multi-family. He conducts asset management as well as operations of the affiliated Brookhill Property Management Company. Prior to Brookhill, David was Regional Vice President of Legacy Partners Commercial and Regional Manager of Lincoln Property Company.

David received his BA in International Relations from USC and completed Finance and Accounting Extension Courses through UCLA, leading to certifications including a California Brokers License, Certified Commercial Investment Member, and Certified Property Manager.

David has served on a number of boards and committees throughout the years, including the BOMA-LA Board of Directors, the Chairman of Friends of IREM Committee, and the Century City Chamber Board of Directors. He has also served as President and Secretary of the San Fernando Valley Affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.