Venice Community Housing Corporation

Housing and supportive services for low-income and homeless families, job training and transitional employment for at-risk youth, after-school arts for preteens, infant/toddler daycare and home repairs for elderly and disabled.

How do you help people in my community?

Whether you live in or near Venice, or in another California community, VCHC stands as a beacon of hope and a prime example of what can be done to alleviate the persistent problems of poverty and homelessness. One of VCHC’s strengths is the collaborative approach it takes to solving problems. Among VCHC’s community-based partners are the following:

Why do you need my support?

The financial support VCHC receives in the form of grants from foundations, corporations and government agencies, for the most part, is restricted to direct programmatic uses. The aggregate of small donations, together with income obtained from special fundraising events, gives VCHC needed resources to evaluate the effectiveness of its programs and explore new possibilities. The problems associated with poverty and homelessness often seem intractable, but VCHC remains both optimistic and persistent in finding solutions and forging partnerships. Examples of future opportunities include:

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

First of all, over 80% of VCHC’s expenditures are for its programs and services. According to the 1999 IRS 990 Form prepared by VCHC’s independent auditors, only 11.9% goes to cover management and general expenses, and only 6.9% goes for fundraising expenses.

Second, VCHC’s staff is very dedicated to its work, witness the fact that salaries are generally lower than comparable jobs in the Los Angeles nonprofit sector. As an example, the founding Executive Director has eschewed salary increases offered by the board for several years in a row now.

Finally, VCHC is governed by a community-based board of directors, which actively oversees the organization’s finances and budgeting. The board’s by-laws require that membership include representation by low-income community residents and tenants of VCHC housing.

Can I Volunteer? How?

Of course! VCHC welcomes volunteers for many of its activities, tutoring children and youth in the after-school and job training programs, helping to organize special fundraising or community outreach events, conducting research and needs assessments, writing grant proposals or public information materials such as newsletters, participating in advocacy efforts, or providing clerical support in the program and administrative offices.

The best way to volunteer is by visiting VCHC’s headquarters at 720 Rose Avenue in Venice. Or, you can call (310)399-4100 or e-mail info@vchcorp.org..