ELCA Ministry Provides Affordable Housing for Former Foster Youth in California

OC United apartments were dedicated as a place to call home for former foster youth. The apartments, part of a collaborative effort between California Lutheran Homes (CLH) and OC United, provide affordable housing to vulnerable populations. CLH, an ELCA ministry based in Glendale, Calif., works with interfaith organizations to support young people aging out of the foster care system.

The state of California has one of the largest foster care programs in the country, with over 60,000 children and teens, including 33,000 in Los Angeles County alone. Many of these teens face significant challenges after leaving the system, such as homelessness, unemployment, and unplanned pregnancy. Nancy Ackerman, an ELCA deacon and CEO of CLH, emphasized the importance of affordable housing in helping these young people establish themselves.

CLH provides housing through partnerships with organizations like Biddy Mason and OC United. For Biddy Mason, CLH owns a house in Los Angeles that is rented for $10 a month. The space serves as an office and program area for former foster youth, with an apartment housing four young women. Ackerman noted that investing in properties allows CLH to support vulnerable populations while fostering collaboration among faith-based organizations.

OC United benefits from CLH’s efforts as well. Five years ago, CLH purchased an apartment building and renovated it into four units for OC United’s transitional housing program. The building was acquired with a donation from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monrovia, Calif., which sold its church building and gave the proceeds to CLH.

In addition to housing, OC United and Biddy Mason offer programs that help former foster youth develop life skills, financial literacy, and employment opportunities. These services, combined with mentoring and community relationships, aim to promote self-sufficiency among young people transitioning to independent living.

The collaboration between CLH and these organizations reflects a commitment to supporting vulnerable populations through affordable housing and holistic care. By investing in properties and partnering with faith-based nonprofits, CLH models the benefits of interfaith cooperation in addressing social challenges.

Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and humble service. The work of CLH and its partners aligns with this biblical theme by providing essential support to those in need and fostering community through shared resources and compassion.

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