Wave Staff and Wire Report
LOS ANGELES — Butterfly’s Haven, an L.A. housing community for women and their children experiencing homelessness, received a $1.6 million federal grant to expand the facility to include a youth hub and workforce training center, officials announced Oct. 1.
During a news conference, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, D-Los Angeles, presented Brittany Walker, founder and CEO of Butterfly’s Haven, a check for $1,666,279. The money will support the organization’s proposed Youth Housing Project.
The facility will provide more housing for youth ages 18-30, and offer them services, such as case management, mental health services, child care support, rehousing assistance, and financial literacy programs.
“I am thrilled to have secured this funding for Butterfly’s Haven’s Youth Housing Project, which will provide more young people with a safe place to call home, heal, and grow into the best versions of themselves,” Kamlager-Dove said in a statement. “As we work to increase housing permanence in Los Angeles, we must always prioritize people-centered solutions that address the root causes of housing insecurity by tackling social and economic injustice in our community.”
Walker called the funding a “powerful step” in creating more housing. She expressed her commitment to helping marginalized youth.
“As someone who has experienced homelessness firsthand, I know the transformative power of community and support,” Walker said. “This grant allows us to continue that mission, expanding our reach and ensuring more young people can take flight and find their wings.”
An exact time frame for construction was not immediately available.
Kamlager-Dove secured the funding as part of a total $12.4 million through the 2024 appropriations act. Of that amount, $6.4 million will address housing insecurity in Los Angeles, according to her office.
Walker opened Butterfly’s Haven in 2022 with the help of CASA LA. Initially serving women and their children, Butterfly’s Haven has since expanded to include all youth, particularly those at risk of homelessness or involved in the foster care and justice systems.
“From sleeping in my car to receiving incredible support, I secured permanent housing sooner than expected,” Kaehlyn Pierce, a former resident at Butterfly’s Haven, said in a statement. “I’m grateful to still have her (Walker) and the rest of the team’s presence and guidance in my life.”
“In the midst of uncertainty, I found my wings,” said Ferrari Woodmore, a current Butterfly’s Haven resident. “From feeling lost to building a future, I discovered that hope can take flight when we meet those who truly care.
“Butterfly’s Haven is truly amazing. Every challenge is a step toward transformation, and every moment of kindness can change a life.”
