Construction has started on the La Kretz Villas, a $12 million, 49-unit permanent housing project in East Hollywood.

Construction has begun on a new project that will provide housing for the homeless. The project was initiated by People Assisting the Homeless (PATH), an organization that operates a center with services for the homeless nearby. (photo by Rafael Guerrero)

The project is being developed by The Related Companies of California and People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) Ventures and will serve as permanent housing for homeless individuals. There will be 48 single-room studios and one unit for the building manager. The project will provide housing to individuals who have been involved with PATH for an extended period and are deemed by PATH advisors to be ready to sustain a normal living situation. PATH’s headquarters are located less than a block away, giving residents access to all of the organization’s social services.

“There will be advisors and workers who will make sure residents are doing what they need to in order to maintain their living situation,” said John Molloy, executive director of PATH Ventures.

PATH Ventures was founded by PATH five years ago and its primary focus is to create permanent housing for the homeless. They currently have two other housing projects in the works and are hoping to create 1,000 housing units by 2015.

Killefer Flammang architects are designing the new, C-shaped building at 335 N. Juanita Ave. The building will also have space for a courtyard to serve as a social center for the residents.

The land for the project was donated by philanthropist Morton La Kretz, who has made major contributions to UCLA, the Institute of the Environment and City of Hope.

Construction of the La Kretz Villas is expected to be completed in April 2012.