Woodbury University’s Agency for Civic Engagement Director Jeanine Centuori (foreground left) poses with school architecture students and concepts created for NHF’s Los Angeles recuperative care facility. At rear is the early 20th century sanitarium now being converted into the facility. Photo: Rachael Buechler

National Health Foundation’s ambitious recuperative care project is capturing attention as it nears its autumn opening. Since its April 18 groundbreaking, the 62-bed refuge for people experiencing homelessness has been profiled by Los Angeles Business Journal, HuffPost, KPCC radio and other media outlets.

Launched in January, the project is also drawing support from multiple sectors, including ETCO Homes and nonprofit HomeAid Los Angeles, along with local architecture students brought aboard to fine-tune details.

More than half a dozen students from Burbank-based Woodbury University have evaluated, designed and implemented components for a dining facility and a wardrobe storage area that will allow residents to “shop” for clothing items. The students, from the university’s architecture program and Agency for Civic Engagement (ACE) outreach initiative, made an emotional connection to the design and building ideas at the Pico-Union neighborhood site, explained the initiative’s director Jeanine Centuori.

“ACE gives students the opportunity to explore human-centered, participatory partnerships that address cultural, economic and social issues,” Centuori said. “The recuperative care facility installations exemplify the kind of inspiring, enduring solutions that ACE was chartered to deliver.”

The project’s goal is to create homelike respite for people experiencing homelessness to rest and recover following a hospital stay, NHF President/CEO Kelly Bruno explained.

NHF is HASC’s charitable partner — working to enhance wellness in underserved communities.

“Our goal is to humanize care for those experiencing homelessness and create a center any convalescing patient would want live in,” Bruno said. “From offering family-style dining to a community garden, these seemingly simple ideas inspired by NHF’s core values, are what make a place comfortable, inviting and homelike.”

The collaboration made this venture even more special. “We are thrilled to have Woodbury’s architecture students put their skills to work for us,” Bruno also said.

Contact:
Cindy Monticue
(213) 538-0771
cmonticue@nhfca.org