Meet W4Ev Leader Andrew C.

Andrew, on the right, repping Westside for Everyone at Venice Artbeat.

What's your housing story?
Moving to Venice in 2021, I witnessed the city's ineffective and inhumane treatment of unhoused folks, as they were swept from multiple different areas only to be dispersed elsewhere across the westside. Also, as a young renter, it's clear we have an affordability crisis with rents (especially on the westside) being so expensive for people with regular jobs. A couple years ago, I learned more about the housing movement and tapped in - it's been really exciting volunteering with W4Ev to support this movement to foster more housing! I appreciate housing as a nexus between environmentalism, transit, and helping people build better lives.

What do you hope for the westside's future?
I hope for far more public transit opportunities such as the Sepulveda Pass train to be built to reduce our reliance on cars and make a more walkable city. There were far more light rails around the westside in the past! Also, of course, I would like to see affordable projects like Venice Dell that include supportive housing be built and operating, supporting westsiders to live and work here.

Why are you a member/leader of W4Ev?
When I met the leaders of W4Ev, while I was learning about the housing movement, I was drawn in by the momentum and vision for a more affordable and livable city. I appreciate the opportunity to support both local projects and state-wide legislation to foster more housing. Through volunteering with W4E, I've also had the wonderful opportunity to connect with and coordinate support for the other local organizations that are building affordable projects, which is meaningful to me!

What is your favorite part of the westside?
So many favorites to choose from... but top of the list is the Pacific ocean. It's a place to surf, cool off, hang out with friends, and relax. It's also a stark barrier between the built environment of the city and nature. Beyond the recreation, the Pacific ocean brings in cool air that makes the westside so temperate relative to the rest of the city! We should prioritize building more affordable housing in temperate areas like the westside to reduce the carbon footprint required to heat/cool dwellings.

What is one thing people can do to make housing more affordable?
One thing people can do is tap in and understand what legislation is on the table with the city and state and call/write in to voice your support. Voicing your opinion in support of affordable housing, such as speaking at city council, is a great way to help advance these causes.