As a board member of the non-profit organization, Clifford Beers Housing, Inc., it was such an honor to attend a wonderful celebration Tuesday, July 15, 2008 in honor of the Elm Avenue Apartments. The celebration was truly a manifestation of the possibilities that exist when our community comes together for a great cause. It’s not easy working to further the mission of Clifford Beers Housing. The issues surrounding homelessness, mental illness and low income housing are uncomfortable for many community leaders, elected officials and residents. I speak from personal experience. When I first joined the board of directors I had a conversation with a local resident in my district and he debated me that there were enough low-income housing projects in the first district and that more projects would not be supported by the community.
Well, the Elm apartments are a demonstration that it is possible to make a difference in people’s lives in Long Beach with the support of our community. I was very proud to see my Councilwoman (Bonnie Lowenthal) and our great Mayor (Bob Foster) be supporters of such an important project and an amazing celebration. Both toured the apartments, then addressed the crowd on the importance of projects such as this one.
What a great way to start the day on that Tuesday morning. It was inspiring to hear from current residents that were at one point living in our streets with mental illness. They are now artists, advocates and community leaders. I visited with one of the residents and she was so proud to show me her apartment. You can see the gratefulness in her eyes, inspires me to continue to do what it takes to provide people like her a chance to improve her quality of life. I’m so proud of Clifford Beers and all those that made this dream a reality at the Elm apartments.
The Press Telegram did a great job covering the celebration of the Elm apartments, funding mechanisms, and the likelihood of future projects in Long Beach. I want to take this opportunity to talk about Clifford Beers Housing (CBH).
CBH’s mission is to develop quality housing that is affordable and supportive for low income and moderate income people, particularly those with mental illness. In addition, CBH provides persons with mental illness the following:
• Affordable housing resources,
• Facilities,
• Professional services required to meet their physical, social, and psychological needs.
CBH encourages clients to have mental health, security, well-being and to participate in the community in which they reside. CBH needs the support of the Long Beach community to help improve the quality of life in Long Beach without leaving the mentally ill, homeless and low income behind.
When I’m asked what Clifford Beers Housing does, I tell them, “We touch people’s lives in the most significant way.”
A special thank you to Jim Bonar, the best Executive Director I have ever worked with and to having such a committed board of directors an a great Chair, David Bloomgarden. I’m blessed to have an opportunity to serve on this board and further the mission of Clifford Beers Housing!