A building at the corner of 7th and Witmer streets in Los Angeles, designed as permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals, has become a source of distress for its residents. Tenants have filed a lawsuit against current and former owners and property managers, citing “severe neglect and disrepair.”
According to the lawsuit, the building has suffered from numerous issues, including a lack of security, which has led to break-ins, drug use, and fires in stairwells. Tenants have also reported problems such as power outages, roach infestations, mold contamination, and a malfunctioning elevator that has left disabled residents stranded. One tenant, who uses a wheelchair, described having to crawl down the stairs, while another suffered a stroke after carrying groceries up six flights.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, names the property owner, 7th and Witmer, as well as Decro Witmer and Trillium Property Management, which began managing the building in August 2024. Ted Handel, CEO of Decro, acknowledged the building’s disrepair upon taking over and stated that efforts are underway to address security issues, including hiring a new security firm and installing cameras.
The building, completed in 2020, was initially celebrated for its sustainability features and is partially funded by public subsidies from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Los Angeles Department of Health Services. However, tenants argue that the neglect of the property represents a betrayal of public trust.
The lawsuit comes amid heightened scrutiny of homelessness funding in Los Angeles. A newly formed criminal task force, announced by U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, aims to investigate potential fraud and corruption involving local homelessness funds. This task force will examine federal, state, and local programs receiving federal grants, as well as private donations intended for homeless services.
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