Russel Westbrook is proving his MVP status off the court too, by teaming up with city officials, Target, and fellow community investors to provide families with affordable housing in a Los Angeles neighborhood.
“Proud to be investing in my community, South Central LA,” captioned one of Westbrook’s Instagram posts regarding the project. “We’re building 180 affordable housing units, surrounded by community-centered businesses and anchored by Target.”
The powerful housing project is named Evermont, and is located at the Northeast corner of Vermont and Manchester — an area that was burned down and sat vacant for over 30 years.
The Los Angeles Clippers player and L.A. local made the announcement in an Instagram video earlier this week featuring himself, LA City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Vermont Knolls Resident Association’s Elle Perrault, and Pastor Jeffrey Lewis of New Antioch Church of God — where they touched on the significance behind this project.
“This Black History Month, we celebrated resilience, progress and unity in our communities in the heart of Los Angeles on a site that was burned to the ground during the 1992 Los Angeles civil unrest,” they shared in the video. “Evermont stands tall as a beacon of collaboration between the city, county, local and business communities. This represents a thriving example of what happens when we come together, fostering empowerment, and driving the positive change that this community has been waiting for.”
With their efforts, they are set to breathe new life into the community through a mixed-use development that will provide 118 family affordable units and 62 houseless supportive senior units. It will also feature commercial and retail spaces with local businesses, a Target, a college-prep school, and a transit plaza.
Earlier reports state that the project is estimated to be completed sometime this year. You can stay up to date on this project by visiting the official Evermont site here.