Mental Health Center Plans Open House

The San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center plans an open house Thursday to mark the relocation of its Cornerstone Program for the homeless and mentally ill into a newer, more modern facility.

The new building, at 5950 Cedros Ave., is about 3,200 square feet, an improvement on the former building’s 2,400 square feet, according to center spokeswoman Dorie Paley. It also has new furniture and amenities that the old building lacked, such as multiple shower stalls, private lockers and a library.

Cornerstone is a daytime drop-in program for adults who are homeless and mentally ill. Services there include counseling, medication monitoring and placement in a residential mental health care facility.

While visiting, clients may shower, do laundry, receive mail, eat and socialize.

Funding comes from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. Client fees are based on ability to pay.

Last November, the center held a similar open house to celebrate the opening of a new facility to house the Center for Family Living/Manos de Esperanza programs and the Homebound and Adult Day Rehabilitation programs. Those programs allow clients to live independently and still receive outpatient mental health care.

Thursday’s event will run from 10 a.m. to noon. Mental health department director Areta Crowell is expected to attend.

For more information, call (818) 901-4830.