[dropcap size=big]I[/dropcap]n a sleepy corner of Southeast L.A. County, the regional struggle to respond to the homelessness crisis is facing another challenge from residents of a proposed housing project for homeless vets.
The American Legion Hollydale Post 723 nonprofit has been serving military veterans since the 1940s. Officials hope to convert the 2.24-acre county-owned property into affordable apartments with on-site support services for homeless veterans.
Nearby residents aren’t happy with those plans. While the site is located in city of Downey, the homes and apartments that surround it are in South Gate, which has already approved the creation of its own homeless housing facility less than a mile away.
At an informational meeting at the American Legion held by South Gate officials last Wednesday, about 200 residents overfilled a hall, with many complaining that the Downey project would bring more crime, more traffic, and lower their property values.
“We aren’t against the project, we are basically against the location,” Sandra Perez told L.A. Taco. The South Gate resident who lives in the Hollydale community, helped organize the turnout at the meeting.