When DECRO assumed responsibility for 7th & Witmer last year, we inherited a permanent supportive housing property in distress. The 76-unit building was struggling on every level. Residents faced safety concerns. The management structure inside the building had broken down. And occupancy had fallen below 50%.
Permanent supportive housing is designed to help people rebuild their lives. But residents at the time were living with instability and a lack of coordinated support. Even in those early days, we saw something else: potential. Potential for safety. Potential for community. Potential for a building to become a home again.
Why We Run Toward When Others Run Away
Permanent supportive housing is complex work. Many organizations run away from it. DECRO is doing the opposite. We are running toward it. We believe people with the greatest needs deserve the strongest commitment. We do not abandon buildings or residents because the work is challenging.
Stabilizing existing housing is one of the fastest ways to reduce homelessness. Los Angeles can’t wait 5–7 years for new construction. We must ensure that the housing we already have is safe, functional, and fully utilized.
That’s why we said yes when DECRO was asked to rehabilitate 7th & Witmer, and why we will continue taking on distressed PSH properties, including upcoming work with Skid Row Housing Trust buildings in 2026. More on this work will be shared soon.
One Year Later: A Different Place Entirely
This commitment to running toward, not away, is exactly what made the turnaround at 7th & Witmer possible. When we invest deeply in a building and the people who live there, progress follows.
Today, the transformation is clear:
- Occupancy has increased to 94%+
- Unauthorized unit takeovers have been eliminated
- LAPD emergency calls have dropped by more than 80%
- Maintenance issues are addressed promptly
- Hallways and common areas are calmer and more predictable
- Residents and staff report feeling safe and supported
A major turning point came when DECRO replaced the prior property management company and began rebuilding the operational foundation of the property. Working in close partnership with new property manager, Trillium Property Management Inc, and onsite services provider, St. Joseph Center, our team restored communication, strengthened team culture, and reestablished the structure the building had been missing. This collective effort brought back predictability, supporting case managers, resolving maintenance issues quickly, and ensuring residents could depend on services and community activities.
A Healthier, More Connected Community
As stability has returned, community life has grown stronger.
Every Friday, the building operates a fresh food distribution using produce and pantry items provided through a partnership with Westside Food Bank—a program that has delivered more than 6,000 pounds of healthy food to residents at 7th & Witmer. The onsite team also maintains a permanent food pantry for residents to access staples throughout the week. And for residents with pets, monthly distributions provide free pet food and essential supplies, helping people care for the companions who bring them comfort and emotional support.
Just recently, the building hosted a Friendsgiving celebration. Onsite staff insisted on serving the meal themselves rather than bringing in outside volunteers. Their commitment says everything about the relationships being rebuilt inside 7th & Witmer.
Looking Ahead
With stability restored, we are partnering with Flip4Good on a trauma-informed redesign of the lobby, case management offices, and service areas. These upgrades will provide better privacy for when residents meet with their case managers, as well as for property management staff.
The transformation of 7th & Witmer is not finished. But this past year proves what is possible when an organization stays committed, especially when the road is difficult.
