Aviva Family and Children’s Services (Aviva) has a long history of providing residential services to women in our community dating back to 1919. Most recently in our historic Camino Palmero/Hollywood Blvd. property, we had provided a safe home, therapeutic and support services to hundreds of foster and at-risk girls who were removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or legal issues. This newest residential program will continue in this tradition.
Our interim supportive housing program, Wallis House, opened on October 15, 2019 and focuses on women and their children who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. We anticipate housing 36 women and their children daily at Wallis House.
The Hollywood area is home to the greatest number of women and children in Los Angeles County, and we know a significant percentage of them are former foster youth who have aged out of the system. We believe our expertise with foster youth and commitment to helping women and children for more than 108 years makes Aviva uniquely qualified to provide such a critical service to the community.
How are families referred to Wallis House?
Families are referred and placed at Wallis House by PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) using the Coordinated Entry System (CES). CES is a countywide system that brings together new and existing programs and resources that connect people at risk of homelessness or experiencing homelessness to the most appropriate housing and services. Individuals placed at Wallis House are already in the housing and services pipeline, and have demonstrated a commitment to getting themselves off the street.
There will be staff on site 24 hours a day and a closed-circuit camera system provides additional safety and security for the residents and staff.
Does Wallis House provide substance use services?
Aviva is not a drug detox or treatment center; however, we follow the Housing First principles and provide support and resources to those who need it. With that said we do not allow inappropriate behavior (or substance use) that negatively impacts the safety and security of our residents.
Do residents with criminal backgrounds live at Wallis House?
We can’t guarantee that people who live here don’t have a criminal past; however, the primary goal of our program is to reduce the number of women on the streets and to give them the skills and support needed to make a meaningful contribution to our community. All residents will be required to sign a code of conduct and we will institute an incentive program to motivate them toward achieving their goals.
The site will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Our normal business hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Will Aviva/Wallis House do more than just provide housing for families?
Aviva is committed to providing a space that will allow women and their families to get themselves out of homelessness and onto a more secure future. To that end, apart from food, housing and case management, Aviva/Wallis House will provide job training and independent-living skills to help these women find meaningful employment.
We thank you for your support of our efforts to provide a safe and secure home for unhoused women and their children in our community. Click here to support Aviva’s programs and services.
(updated October 2023)