Commercial building at 955 N. Vignes Street slated to become interim housing

A commercial building across the street from Men's Central Jail in Downtown Los Angeles is poised to provide interim housing and other services for former inmates at risk of homelessness.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has voted to spend roughly $1.8 million to acquire a property at 955 N. Vignes Street, which would be converted into a facility called the Warm Landing Place. The one-story, 4,760-square-foot building is slated to include space for between 10 and 15 interim beds, and would be staffed at all hours.

"The Property represents an ideal location for [the Justice, Care, and Opportunities Department] to launch its rapid reentry program, Warm Landing Place, where JCOD will engage individuals immediately upon their release from the Los Angeles Downtown Jails Complex (Twin Towers and Men’s Central Jail) and offer basic necessities, service linkages, and interim housing," states a staff report.

955 N. Vignes StreetGoogle Maps

The new facility is intended to decrease recidivism and the risk of homelessness among formerly incarcerated persons within the jails complex.

Plans for a new interim housing and service center on Vignes Street is in line with the County's plan to eventually close Men's Central Jail and transform the property into the centerpiece of a "restorative care village," featuring supportive housing and services. To that end, a number of properties near the jail complex have already been targeted for redevelopment with affordable housing, including sites at 725 N. Spring Street and next door to the California Endowment and Homeboy Industries. One supportive housing complex - the Hilda L. Solis Care First Village - is already open at 1060 N. Vignes Street.

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