LOS ANGELES, CA – A new supportive housing development in North Hills is offering hope and stability to dozens of homeless veterans and unhoused individuals, thanks to the vision and generosity of the late Hal Kassner, a proud veteran and former business owner.
The 54-unit complex, aptly named My Angel, was officially unveiled this week by community leaders and LA Family Housing. The development dedicates 24 units to veterans and 30 units to other unhoused individuals. Residents will pay a portion of their rent, with the rest subsidized, providing an affordable path to housing and support services.
Honoring Veterans and Community
For Joseph Bellucci, an Army veteran, My Angel represents more than just a roof over his head.
“I want to give my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to LA Family Housing, staff, and the people that work tirelessly and lovingly to make me feel at home,” Bellucci said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The project reflects the legacy of Kassner, who owned Angel Appliances on the site for six decades. Recognizing the transformative impact of the G.I. Bill on his own life, Kassner donated the property in 2017 to LA Family Housing with the vision of creating a haven for veterans.
“He always said that receiving the G.I. Bill allowed him to have a future,” said Stephanie Klasky-Gamer, president and CEO of LA Family Housing. “Someone invested in him, and he wanted the opportunity to invest in other veterans so they could have a thriving future as well.”
The development, which broke ground in March 2022, includes features designed to foster a sense of community and well-being for residents.
“Hal’s legacy has been woven into the fabric of this development,” said Antonio Banuelos, a mental health program manager with the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health. “It is a space that fosters community and healing. With multiple available amenities, this development is designed to address residents’ mental, social, and physical well-being.”
A Tribute to Kassner’s Angel
While the name Angel Appliances was a practical choice for the Yellow Pages, Kassner revealed that the real inspiration for the name came from his wife, Sue. At the groundbreaking ceremony in 2022, Kassner said, “You are the first and only, truly my angel that I ever had. Without you, I could not have done it.”
Kassner’s contribution has now become a beacon of hope for individuals transitioning from homelessness, providing them with the resources and community they need to rebuild their lives.
The opening of My Angel marks a significant step in addressing homelessness among veterans, a pressing issue in Los Angeles County. By providing stable housing and supportive services, the development offers residents a chance to heal, grow, and thrive.
As the ceremony concluded, Klasky-Gamer reflected on Kassner’s enduring impact: “This isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to what one person’s generosity and vision can achieve for so many.”
