This Mother’s Day, the story for some moms who didn’t have stable homes last year has turned around.
Early this year, CASA of Los Angeles joined its new non-profit partner, Butterfly’s Haven, to open a 20-bedroom women and children’s residence in L.A. The residence is located in the Exposition Park neighborhood — easy walking distance to museums and green space. CASA/LA (court-appointed special advocates) organizes the community to advocate for children and families in L.A. County’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
Brittany Walker, founder of Butterfly’s Haven, says the organization aims to address housing inequity for single mothers in L.A., especially Black and Indigenous people of color, former foster youth and justice involved mothers. The organization offers shared housing, supportive services and 24-hour child care to provide residents with a robust support network to realize their goals of independence and success. The mission is to ensure that all women have the mental and physical security to thrive in a setting that doesn’t feel like placement or a group home.
“At 16, I experienced living in a shelter in East Los Angeles where I interacted with many young girls and boys who were systemically impacted from different group homes,” Walker says. “Hearing some of the harsh stories, my heart wanted to change things for those who experienced these unnecessary hardships. With the help of CASA/LA my dream is coming true. Together, we will strive to ensure that all women have the mental and physical security to majestically soar beyond their wildest dreams.”
Treehouse CEO Prophet Walker says the home will be a transformative step for the mothers and their children. “The freedom to change your life is something that isn’t always easy to come by for single mothers, especially those in the foster care system that CASA/LA sees every day, who are struggling to find a home and a future for themselves and their children,” Walker says. “Brittany, CASA/LA and Butterfly’s Haven are creating a new model in support and community building that’s sustainable and scalable.”
