Every resident at Project Homekey has had their own journey. As part of Culver City’s efforts to address homelessness, Project Homekey provides interim supportive housing and connects residents with services that help them transition to permanent homes.
While each resident’s path has been different, they share something in common: having a safe, stable place to live has given them the opportunity to focus on what comes next. The following spotlights share the stories of three residents currently living at Project Homekey and the journeys that brought them there.
Danny: Finding Stability in the City He Calls Home
Danny has called Culver City home for 55 years.
Three years ago, after breaking his hip in a serious fall, Danny began experiencing homelessness on and off. He remembers meeting a member of the Mobile Crisis Team, who asked if he needed a place to stay. A few days later, the team came back, just as they had promised, first connecting Danny to a temporary site at Paradise and later to Project Homekey’s supportive housing.
For Danny, having a stable place to call home has made all the difference.
“It’s a blessing,” he said. “I’ve done my fair share of sleeping outside.”
Today, he says he feels safe, has become friends with many of his neighbors, and appreciates the staff who are there to help. After decades in Culver City, he’s grateful to once again have a place where he can put down roots.
Melody: Slowing Down and Starting Again
Melody has lived in Culver City for nearly her entire life. After spending time at the Wellness Village, she moved into Project Homekey three months ago and says it has given her the opportunity to slow down and begin a new chapter.
“This is a place for you to start all over again,” she said.
Melody reflected thoughtfully on how many people lose and rediscover themselves throughout life.
“We tend to go warp speed, but that’s not the way people are supposed to live,” she said. “A lot of us have lost who we are, and it’s a great place to settle, live in the moment, and say, ‘Okay, here’s who I am, here’s what I have to do, and here are the steps for me to do it, and then just go out and do it.'”
Music has long been her source of comfort and inspiration. She studied voice at Santa Monica College and even had the opportunity to perform the role of the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera. More recently, while volunteering at the Long Beach Pride Parade, she found herself on stage alongside headliner Sheila E., an unforgettable experience.
Now, Melody is exploring opportunities to work at a music studio, where she hopes to create an album that shares more stories and experiences from the LGBTQ+ community.
Peter: finding Comfort, Security and a Place to Land
Originally from the United Kingdom, Peter has lived in the United States for 49 years and in Culver City for nearly 30. An accomplished ice dancer, he won a bronze medal at the 1971 European Figure Skating Championships and placed fourth at the World Figure Skating Championships twice. After moving to the U.S., he built a successful career as an ice dance coach, training skaters who competed in the 1988 Winter Olympics and at five consecutive World Championships. Even in his 80s, he still finds opportunities to teach skating.
Before arriving at Project Homekey, Peter had been living in his car when his SCAN Health Plan case manager connected him with the Mobile Crisis Team. The team told him they thought he could find housing within a month. To Peter’s surprise, it took only a week.
Although he had learned to make do while living in his car, having stable housing has brought a sense of comfort and security.
“It’s a great relief to have a roof over my head, a proper bed to sleep in, and a shower,” he said.
And, in a nod to his British roots, he’s once again able to enjoy his morning “cuppa,” a cup of tea.
Peter also appreciates having a secure place to park his car, knowing it will be safe. While Project Homekey staff members are helping him find a permanent apartment that fits within his budget, he’s grateful to have a comfortable place to call home in the meantime.
City of Culver City
