The Emerson will provide 39 units of housing for formerly homeless individuals on Melrose Avenue. (rendering courtesy of Affirmed Housing/Togawa Smith Martin)

Efforts to house homeless individuals in Hollywood have moved forward as new permanent housing nears completion. More temporary shelter beds have been approved and the Winter Shelter Program has received more funding.

Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, 13th District, highlighted the progress and touted a development in east Hollywood that will create 39 units for formerly homeless individuals. Located at 4760 Melrose Ave. and called the Emerson, the five story building will provide supportive housing. It is scheduled for completion next summer and will house clients placed by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. The project is being built by San Diego-based Affirmed Housing Group.

“It’s people already in the county’s coordinated entry system,” O’Farrell spokesman Tony Arranaga said. “They are currently working with a caseworker. It’s one of the latest projects.”

The councilman also spearheaded a motion approved last week to add 30 beds at the Salvation Army Weingart Center in Hollywood.  Additionally, the Los Angeles City Council approved allocating $2.1 million in additional coronavirus relief funds to the annual Winter Shelter Program on Dec. 2. The emergency shelter program is particularly important given the prevalence of cold nighttime temperatures, Arranaga said.

The winter shelters are located throughout the county and are available on a first-come, first-served basis to single adults. One of the winter shelters is located at Pan Pacific Park, 7600 Beverly Blvd. For information, call the LAHSA hotline at (800)548-6047, or visit lahsa.org.

“These new emergency shelter beds in addition to new permanent homes for people experiencing homelessness represent significant progress on our collective work to put our most vulnerable on a path of wellness and stability,” O’Farrell said.

The councilman is also hopeful about creating temporary shelters in other locations, including at the Hollywood Recreation Center. The plan remains on hold while its feasibility is considered, Arranaga said, but it represents how innovative strategies might be used to address the problem.