On Tuesday, Jan. 20, the Koreatown Immigrant Workers Alliance (KIWA) and the Little Tokyo Service Center opened Casa Yondé, a 52-unit affordable green residential community that will provide housing for low-income families, homeless families and transition aged youth.

“Affordable housing is one of the most essential elements for any human being to thrive,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. “The Casa Yondé housing development will be a significant asset to the Koreatown community. Not only will it provide stable housing to those who will call it home but it will also increase the number of individuals and families who will have access to a wealth of supportive services and recreational activities.”

The opening of the LEED Gold building, located at 1053 S. New Hampshire Avenue, marks KIWA’s foray into affordable housing. The Community Development Commission of the County of Los Angeles (CDC) provided $3 million in Affordable Housing Trust funds for the design and development of the site, which includes $100,000 for energy efficiency components.

The development replaced 26 obsolete and aging housing units, some of which were 90 years old.

Supportive services are provided onsite to address the special needs of the families and TAY, such as 5,000 square feet of common area space, tenant service offices, counseling rooms, multipurpose community space, and a landscaped courtyard.

KIWA will also have their offices and community space at the vibrant new location.