The Business and Human Side of Transitional Housing with Felicia Edelman

A shelter is not always the final stop before someone gets permanent housing. Felicia Edelman says many people need a middle ground first.

Felicia and her husband have operated transitional shared housing in South Los Angeles since January 2010. Their residents include men coming from jails, prisons, treatment centers, hospitals, shelters, the streets, and other agencies.

Felicia explains how the model works financially and operationally. Their typical duplex has five bedrooms on each side, with shared rooms and 20 to 30 men across the property. Residents generally pay between $600 and $800 per month. Utilities are included, and Felicia says they do not require an application fee, security deposit, credit check, or background check.

She also explains why onsite management matters. Many of their house managers were once residents themselves and have personal experience with jail or prison. Felicia says this helps new residents feel understood and gives each house people who can set the tone and help de escalate problems.

Key topics and takeaways:

• Why Felicia calls transitional housing the middle ground between shelters and permanent housing
• How shared rooms make the housing more affordable for residents
• Why a typical SOS Housing duplex may house 20 to 30 men
• How former residents become onsite house managers
• Why Felicia believes community inside the house is important
• How residents sometimes shop and cook together
• Why the typical stay is about three to six months
• How the shared living model can also work on a smaller scale

Guest information:

Felicia Edelman is a shared housing expert with SOS Housing. She and her husband opened their first transitional housing location in January 2010.