The development transforms former motel site into innovative housing community for people experiencing chronic homelessness
VAN NUYS, Calif. (October 15, 2026) – LA Family Housing (LAFH) and its sister agency, LAFHBUILDS, today joined California State Senator Caroline Menjivar, Los Angeles City Councilmember Imelda Padilla, and other leaders to celebrate the grand opening of The Pano, a new permanent supportive housing community in Van Nuys that provides 90 apartments for people experiencing chronic homelessness.
The Pano was developed through the State of California’s Project Homekey program, which allocated COVID relief funds to help cities acquire aging motels and convert them to permanent supportive housing. Rather than simply converting the existing motel into housing, LAFH and its architectural partners were able to leverage the size of the property to construct a new apartment building, increasing the total number of homes from 48 to 90. By nearly doubling the property’s housing capacity, the project demonstrates how innovative development strategies can maximize public investment and accelerate the creation of urgently needed housing.
“For LA Family Housing and LAFHBUILDS, The Pano is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and the dedication of so many people who believed in what this site could become. Together, we turned a shared vision into a community that will provide stability, dignity, and hope for years to come,” said Stephanie Klasky-Gamer, President and CEO of LA Family Housing.
In addition to its innovative design, The Pano utilized an innovative financing structure: LAFH bypassed the traditional affordable housing tax credit model, instead leveraging Project Homekey funding for site acquisition and raising $10 million from its philanthropic partners. This approach reduced the number of public funding sources involved, helping streamline development. The project was also a beneficiary of Mayor Karen Bass’s Executive Directive 1 to expedite development clearances.
“At a time when developing affordable housing is becoming more challenging, The Pano reminds us that we cannot respond by thinking smaller. We have to be more creative, more collaborative, and more determined. The need for housing is too great,” said Elda Mendez-Lemus, Executive Director of LAFHBUILDS.
With more than 73,000 people experience homelessness on any given night across LA County, The Pano brings critically needed housing and supportive services to individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, including those living with physical and mental health conditions, substance use disorders, medical needs, and other barriers to housing stability. As a permanent supportive housing community, participants receive stable housing paired with on-site intensive case management and supportive services funded by the County Department of Homeless Services and Housing that are designed to promote long-term housing stability, health, and community integration.
“The Pano demonstrates what’s possible when government and community partners come together to deliver innovative housing solutions that provide more than just a roof over someone’s head,” said Sarah Mahin, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Homeless Services and Housing. “Through our partnership with LA Family Housing, Measure A-funded intensive case management and supportive services will help residents not only remain housed, but build healthier, more stable and independent lives. This is the type of collaborative, housing-focused approach we need to expand across Los Angeles County.”
The Pano’s 90 apartment homes will welcome their first tenants starting next week. This milestone is made possible by 90 project-based vouchers provided by the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, ensuring tenants pay no more than 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent.
“Long-term affordability is the key to making housing truly accessible, providing a lasting resource for families and individuals rebuilding their lives after homelessness,” said Lourdes Castro Ramírez, President and CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles. “By investing over $49 million in Section 8 funding into The Pano, we are opening the doors to 90 permanent supportive homes in Panorama City so more Angelenos can put down roots and thrive.”
Designed intentionally to provide a nurturing, tranquil environment for individuals as they transition out of homelessness, the building features amenities that foster community and support residents’ well-being. The property features a community room with a full kitchen for healthy cooking classes and computer stations, a rooftop patio, barbecue area, dog run, and dedicated offices for property management and supportive services staff.
“Ninety individuals now have a key to a home. That’s what happens when nonprofits, government and financial institutions commit to moving together with intention,” said Nedda Ismaili, senior vice president and regional manager, Commercial Real Estate Banking at City National Bank, which provided a $26 million construction loan to be converted to a $4 million permanent loan for the project. “City National Bank is proud to have been part of the collaboration that made this project possible. Seeing the vision of LA Family Housing and LAFHBUILDS become reality for families in our community — that’s why we do this work.”
About The Pano:
- 90 studio units, 1 two-bedroom manager’s unit
- Project Size: Lot 1.3 acres
- Building: One 2-story building (rehab) and one 3-story building (new construction)
- Product type: Type V construction
- Developer: LAFH Builds
- Architect: office42 architecture
- General Contractor: United Building Co.
- Property Manager: Barker Management
- Service Provider: LA Family Housing
About LA Family Housing
The mission of LA Family Housing (LAFH) is to help families and individuals transition out of homelessness and poverty through a continuum of housing enriched with supportive services. Working throughout Los Angeles County from Lancaster to San Pedro, LAFH is the lead provider in the County’s Service Planning Area (SPA) 2, which includes the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys, as well as parts of Glendale and Burbank. The agency’s reach extends to more than 16,000 families and individuals each year. LAFH’s innovative wraparound services not only secure housing for those in need but also address the underlying causes of homelessness. https://lafh.org/
About LAFHBuilds
LAFH launched LAFHBUILDS in 2024 as an affiliated non-profit organization to develop, manage, and operate its long-term real estate assets. As sister agencies, LAFHBUILDS and LAFH share the same mission: to help families and individuals transition out of homelessness and poverty through a continuum of housing enriched with supportive services. https://www.lafhbuilds.org/