Elder Housing Project seeks urgent assistance with Environmental Review

Affordable housing is beyond the reach of 88% of Los Angeles area renters. For elderly Native Americans living in the City of Angels, these statistics are even higher. Redbird has chosen to address this issue by striving to create affordable, safe and culturally appropriate elder housing in a community setting.

Redbird, a 501(c)(3) non profit based in southern California, is applying for HUD funding to create the first “Redbird Ranch” facility. They have chosen a property that is for sale on the open market, a currently vacant church complex that includes classrooms, commercial kitchen, community, caretaker residence, and ample parking. The application must be completed and submitted by July 10.

In order to complete the application, we need to have a Phase 1 Environmental Review of the site, to be completed at our cost. We also need a letter of commitment from the seller and their listing agent, community support from both public agencies and Native American people, and confirmation that we can create an elder housing facility on the site, which has residential zoning and a special use permit.

To accomplish all of this by July 10, Redbird needs some very special assistance; particularly with the environmental review. The cost recently quoted for such a review is $1,800.00; more than the non profit group cn afford to spend on a property that they don't yet own.

Redbird's dream of creating their first elder housing facility may slip through their fingers unless they can find someone qualified and willing to help.

The subject property is located in Sunland in Los Angeles County. Completing the HUD application process requires producing a profusion of documentation, and the group is working diligently to secure all of it. Without the phase one review, however, the application will be automatically disqualified, regardless of how much support they are able to garner from the Indian community, public officials and state agencies.

Redbird is putting out "an open cry for help" as member Also Seoane described it. They are seeking the assistance of an environmental consultant who would be willing to perform the review pro bono, for a much reduced amount from the $1,800.00 quote Redbird has thusfar received, or on a payment plan.

"The HUD section 202 grant would put us on our way toward creating long-term housing solutions for urban Native American elderly and their care-giving families" Seoane explains. "It would be a shame to miss this opportunity."

For further information on Redbird, please visit their website at http://www.RedbirdsVision.org, or email redbirds_vision [at] hotmail.com

Donations to Redbird are tax deductible and can be made via Paypal through the Redbird website, as well as by mail. All donations earmarked for elder housing will be used exclusively for that purpose.