Whole Child opens safe family center in Santa Fe Springs; town hall for residents scheduled

Jeremy Goldstein, representing The Whole Child, told the Santa Fe Springs City Council that The Whole Child’s Safe Family Center is open at 10950 Laurel Avenue and is now providing mental-health services, family housing services, parent enrichment and nutrition assistance.

Goldstein invited residents to a town hall at the Gus Velasco Center in two nights where staff from Richmond Group — the manager of the 100 affordable housing units on the site — will explain leasing and the waiting-list process. “We’re now up and running with our safe family center…we are inviting everyone to a town hall meeting at Gus Velasco Center two nights from tonight at 5 p.m. where we’ll be answering your questions about the facility,” he said.

Why it matters: The center is a new community resource offering services designed to stabilize families and to connect residents with supportive housing and other assistance. Goldstein said materials and contact information will be distributed to city offices and published so residents without internet access can learn how to apply or get help.

Council follow-up: A councilmember raised concerns about access for seniors and residents with disabilities who may be unable to attend town halls or use online application systems. Goldstein and city staff said the group will provide printed materials, phone contacts and can coordinate additional assistance; staff also offered to explore transportation and in-person application help for residents who need it.

Ending: The city and partner organizations plan outreach and assistance to ensure Santa Fe Springs residents can access the center’s services and the affordable housing waiting list when applications open in the coming weeks.