Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Homelessness Housing Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident credits Redondo Beach housing workers and volunteers for finding him a home
Summary
A resident testified that after five to six years unhoused he was placed into housing through the help of volunteers and a housing worker named Lila, first at Beacon Ministry and later at a Wilmington address and Beacon Landing in San Pedro. He thanked Redondo Beach volunteers and housing staff for the placement.
A resident who spoke during the public comment period described more than five years of homelessness and credited Redondo Beach housing workers and volunteers with helping him secure permanent housing.
The resident recounted working part time in 2022, sleeping at airports and on the streets into 2023 before church volunteers at 1st United Methodist in Redondo Beach connected him with a housing worker named Lila. "Lila was the 1st person out of 5 years to house me," the resident said, calling that contact a turning point.
He said he had engaged with PATH and several other housing providers but was not placed through those programs; after meeting Lila he said she first arranged a placement at Beacon Ministry in Willmott. He later said he received a call in March 2023 offering a unit at "126 WD Street, Wilmington, California," which he accepted. "When I tell you I have my own place, finally," the resident said, describing relief at not having to return to New Orleans.
The resident described Wilmington as a largely Hispanic community where he learned some Spanish, met business owners who included him in events and often helped with meals, and said neighbors looked out for one another. He said in early 2024 he was told about a new opening at Beacon Landing, 319 North Beacon in San Pedro, calling the apartment "like a Beverly Hills apartment" and saying he felt overwhelmed and grateful.
Throughout his remarks the resident named volunteers and staff—Leslie, Don, Megan and Lila—who he said helped him navigate placements and who gave him opportunities. He emphasized the role of community supports and faith in his journey and closed by thanking those who helped him and pledging not to let them down: "I will not let you guys down."
No formal action or vote was recorded in the transcript; the comments functioned as testimony and personal testimony about the experience of local housing assistance.
