Maryvale, a Christian organization located at 7600 Graves Avenue, recently submitted a development proposal to the city that has stirred significant community interest. On the evening of October 8th, hundreds of residents gathered at the Rosemead City Hall to voice their opinions on this proposal, which aims to rezone the land for transitional and supportive housing. The plan includes creating spaces for mental health services, administrative support, early education, daycare, religious activities, and recreational use. Primarily, the transitional housing is designed to assist single mothers, female students without housing security, and children in need of early education.
Founded in 1856 at what is now Union Station, Maryvale has a long history in Los Angeles, growing to become the city’s first orphanage after relocating to Boyle Heights in 1891. Since 1953, it has continued to serve the community by assisting at-risk children and adults. During the recent city council meeting, supporters of the proposal voiced their opinions in a previous hearing, while some local residents expressed concerns regarding safety and the potential establishment of a shelter in the neighborhood.
Mike Couchman, CFO of Maryvale, emphasized the proposal’s goal: to provide a safe environment and supportive resources for homeless mothers, enabling them to develop essential skills and achieve self-sufficiency before moving into permanent housing. He assured that the organization does not intend to disrupt the city’s peace and safety. The property spans 13.6 acres and currently features 11 buildings of varying heights. Plans involve renovating the first two floors of Laboure Hall, its existing dormitory, to provide transitional and supportive housing for just over 20 families, countering the online rumors of accommodating 400 residents. The redesign will include a reconfigured kitchen and transform dormitory-style suites with shared bathrooms into independent family suites with private baths, as well as communal areas like an activity center, library, and a learning kitchen.
The proposal also includes Hope Housing, which offers 14 beds for community college female students aged 18 to 28 who are victims of domestic violence or lack housing security. Additionally, Seton House is set to provide temporary accommodation for mothers with two or more children, lasting between six to nine months. Housing specialists will assist residents in finding permanent housing solutions afterward.
An early education center within the facility aims to accommodate up to 120 children, while the community mental health center will offer affordable treatment and services for youth and their families up to age 25. The site will feature 167 parking spaces and a venue for up to 500 people, with 51% of the land dedicated to landscaping, ensuring no further expansion.
Concerns regarding public safety were raised by the city planning commission, prompting Maryvale to implement 24-hour surveillance and nighttime patrols on the campus. The facility will maintain a staff of over 70 personnel and prohibits drug use, with random drug testing in place. A curfew will be enforced from 10 PM to 5:30 AM, Sunday through Thursday. Most mothers at Seton House will have their own transportation, but Maryvale will offer Uber or Lyft services in certain circumstances for those without.
The city planning commission believes the proposal aligns with the city’s vision for its 2030 Plan, which promotes a safe, welcoming, well-connected, and vibrant Rosemead, complete with thriving businesses and well-maintained parks and infrastructure. Safety remains a top priority, with efforts to enhance public safety facilities and expand community safety programs, particularly for the homeless.
The proposal has been postponed until October 22nd, with Couchman affirming that if it is rejected by the city council, he will continue to seek approval.
