Creating a Home-Like Haven for Women and Children
In South Los Angeles, Angeles House redefines transitional housing by providing a safe, dignified, and uplifting environment for women and children experiencing homelessness. Developed by Union Rescue Mission, the three-story facility offers housing for up to 340 residents, combining private living quarters with supportive services to create a welcoming path toward stability and permanent housing.
The guiding principle of the project was to move beyond the institutional feel that too often characterizes shelter housing. Rather than adopting a dormitory model, HED designed Angeles House to feel like home. Each of the 86 units offers private bathrooms, built-in storage, functional furnishings, and abundant natural light. Acoustic and visual privacy was prioritized, empowering families to feel safe and respected as they begin rebuilding their lives. This shift from dorm-style living to private, self-contained units is central to restoring dignity for residents and helping them regain a sense of stability.
Equally important was the inclusion of spaces that foster connection, growth, and healing. Shared amenities serve as community anchors where families can gather, share meals, and build supportive relationships. A range of counseling and case management spaces were integrated to provide residents with access to professional guidance and services. Childcare and play areas were also included, offering children safe and nurturing environments while giving parents the time and opportunity to focus on their own development.
The design extends outward into landscaped courtyards and outdoor areas, which provide places for recreation, reflection, and community activities. These green spaces balance safety with openness, offering residents the restorative benefits of nature within a secure setting. Facade and entry enhancements further reinforce the idea of welcome, presenting the facility as a place of dignity and hope rather than an institutional shelter. To support neighborhood integration, the project also included the renovation of adjacent industrial buildings and the demolition of one structure to increase parking and improve site circulation.
The holistic design reflects Union Rescue Mission’s mission to provide not just shelter, but comprehensive care. By creating a setting where housing, services, and community coexist seamlessly, Angeles House helps break down barriers to stability. Families are able to access resources on-site, connect with neighbors, and build supportive networks that continue long after they leave.
Angeles House demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform the trajectory of people’s lives.By combining privacy, community, and supportive services within a home-like environment, the project offers women and children not just a roof over their heads, but the foundation for a brighter, more secure future. More than a shelter, it is a place of renewal, belonging, and hope.