Low-Income Housing Complex to Open

A housing project for needy families, an idea that had its genesis between two Westside religious congregations more than five years ago, will soon open its doors to new tenants.

Casa Carondelet is a two-story, 18-unit apartment complex that will provide affordable housing for low-income families. Located in the 100 block of Carondelet Street in the MacArthur Park area, the complex offers partially furnished units ranging from $396 a month for a one-bedroom apartment to $550 for a three-bedroom unit.

Amenities include a classroom/library with computers and encyclopedias, a community room, a playground and a small courtyard with fruit trees.

One prospective resident--a 28-year-old mother of four children, ages 1 to 10--said she can’t wait to move out of the dilapidated Gardena apartment where the family has lived.

“I didn’t know places like this were around,” said the woman, who asked to be identified only as Cathy. “It’s a tremendous help in raising my children.”

Cathy and her children will be among the first tenants moving into a three-bedroom unit in September.

Casa Carondelet is a joint venture between Church & Synagogue Associates, composed of St. Matthew’s Parish in Pacific Palisades and University Synagogue in Brentwood, and Beyond Shelter, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit group.