Introduction to Homeboy Industries
Homeboy Industries has been a beacon of hope for current and former gang members seeking to turn their lives around. The nonprofit organization, founded by Jesuit priest Father Greg Boyle nearly 40 years ago, offers a range of services including employment, tattoo removal, therapy, and more at its headquarters in Chinatown. However, in recent years, Homeboy has seen an increase in individuals arriving with more severe substance abuse and mental health problems that require supervision and a place to sleep while undergoing treatment.
The Need for Expanded Services
Faced with pronounced substance abuse and mental health problems, Homeboy had to refer individuals to outside organizations that provide beds. This limitation led to the realization that Homeboy needed to expand its services to provide a comprehensive treatment facility.
Acquisition of the Monastery of the Angels
On Tuesday, Homeboy Industries acquired the Monastery of the Angels, a 4-acre Spanish Colonial Revival property in the Hollywood Hills. The site, previously home to cloistered Dominican nuns for nearly 90 years, will be transformed into a 60-bed community where the formerly incarcerated and gang-involved can sleep and heal.
Plans for the Home of the Angels
The Home of the Angels will provide 50 beds for substance abuse treatment and an additional 10 for people experiencing acute mental health issues. There will also be outpatient services to treat addiction and mental health. Father Greg Boyle stated that by keeping people within Homeboy for all their services, there’s a better chance they will succeed.
History of the Monastery of the Angels
The Monastery of the Angels has a storied history dating back to 1924 when a group of Dominican nuns founded the monastery. Ten years later, supported by some of L.A.’s wealthiest families, they purchased a sprawling estate in Beachwood Canyon and moved in. Local Catholic women raised funds to build the nuns a new cloister, chapel, and office complex on site in 1948, designed by celebrated architect Wallace Neff.
Father Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, stands in the chapel at the Monastery of the Angels.
(Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)
Partnership and Funding
Major funding for the new recovery center comes from the California Department of Health Care Services, and Homeboy is partnering with the Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse to run the site. Opening is scheduled for the end of next year.
Services and Programs
In addition to typical drug and mental health treatment, meditative walking paths are planned, including one through the property’s Spanish-style courtyard and another to the top of a hill that contains a statue of Jesus overlooking the city. There will also be educational, wellness, and healthy living classes and other group events, in part meant to combat an overall rise in loneliness that has been blamed for worsening people’s mental health and addictions.
Father Greg Boyle, center, founder of Homeboy Industries, walks through the courtyard of the Monastery of the Angels with others.
(Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)
Community and Neighbors
Treatment facilities often face pushback from neighbors concerned over safety, but Homeboy said the site will be staffed and supervised at all hours of the day and that it has a "long track record of running safe, well-managed programs across Los Angeles."
Conclusion
The acquisition of the Monastery of the Angels and its transformation into the Home of the Angels marks a significant milestone for Homeboy Industries. By providing a comprehensive treatment facility, Homeboy aims to help individuals overcome substance abuse and mental health problems and reintegrate into society. As Father Greg Boyle said, "The antidote to addiction is community," and Homeboy is committed to fostering a sense of community and hope for those in need.
FAQs
Q: What is Homeboy Industries?
A: Homeboy Industries is a nonprofit organization that provides services including employment, tattoo removal, therapy, and more to current and former gang members.
Q: What is the Home of the Angels?
A: The Home of the Angels is a 60-bed community where the formerly incarcerated and gang-involved can sleep and heal, providing substance abuse treatment and mental health services.
Q: When is the Home of the Angels scheduled to open?
A: The Home of the Angels is scheduled to open at the end of next year.
Q: Who is funding the new recovery center?
A: Major funding for the new recovery center comes from the California Department of Health Care Services, and Homeboy is partnering with the Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse to run the site.
Q: What services will be offered at the Home of the Angels?
A: In addition to typical drug and mental health treatment, meditative walking paths, educational, wellness, and healthy living classes, and other group events will be offered.
